A senior Russian official has recently stoked fears of a potential worldwide conflict by claiming that the UK and Europe are essentially "defenceless" against Moscow's latest hypersonic weaponry.
The comments were made on Telegram in January by Aleksey Aleksandrovich Zhuravlyov, a staunch nationalist MP and leader of the Rodina party, who shared a German news report about a recent Russian missile strike in Ukraine.
Zhuravlyov referenced an article from Berliner Zeitung which discussed the alleged use of Russia's "Oreshnik" hypersonic missile system during attacks targeting Ukraine's Lviv region. He suggested that the assault had sparked concern among political and military leaders across Britain and Europe.
In his commentary, the Kremlin ally described the attack as a "clear signal" to the EU and NATO, insisting that Russia had demonstrated its ability to hit targets in "Western capitals" and at NATO military bases.
He further argued that Ukraine's Western allies were "effectively defenceless" against Moscow's advanced weapons technology - a claim not made by the German newspaper itself.
The Berliner Zeitung article focused on the resumption of missile attacks against Ukraine, noting that Moscow had deployed the Oreshnik system for the first time in months during heavy strikes on Kyiv and western parts of the country.
Zhuravlyov's contentious interpretation, however, significantly exceeded the original reporting, using it to promote a narrative of Western frailty and military weakness.
His post did not specifically name any cities, nor did it directly threaten any individual country.
Known for his confrontational comments about NATO and the West, Zhuravlyov is recognised for his bellicose rhetoric and has often warned of a direct confrontation between Russia and Western nations.
These comments emerge as tensions between Russia and NATO reach their highest point since the Cold War, with increasing worries over potential escalation as the conflict in Ukraine continues.
Western officials have consistently dismissed Russian claims about the invincibility of its hypersonic weapons, while NATO maintains its full ability to defend its member countries.
