Russia points to UK as the puppet master behind Ukraine

FSB director Alexander Bortnikov has made a statement that shakes up the geopolitical board: to win the war in Ukraine, Russia must eliminate its main instigator, Great Britain.

Bortnikov's remarks at the 57th FSB meeting did not go unnoticed. "Devour Great Britain," was the headline in the Russian outlet Tsargrad. According to the head of Russia's security services, the surest way to achieve victory is to neutralize the country that "created and leads the pro-Ukrainian coalition." He did not mention a nuclear attack, but he did speak of denying Kyiv the security it has enjoyed so far. The rhetoric evokes old fantasies of "Londinium delenda est."

A real threat or war propaganda?

Most Western analysts dismiss the possibility of direct action against the UK. References to "Satan 2 missiles" or "thermonuclear strikes" that appeared in parallel discussions belong more to science fiction than to real strategy. However, Bortnikov is no ordinary Twitter general; he heads the FSB, the successor to the KGB. When he speaks, the Kremlin listens. Most troubling is the historical precedent: the same "eliminate the puppet master" rhetoric was used before the invasion of Ukraine.

The historical factor: the shadow of British perfidy

The discussion thread includes a long diatribe about the UK's role in Russian history: from the murder of tsars to the social engineering that supposedly brought Lenin to power. The argument goes that the British provoked revolutions and wars to weaken Russia. This narrative, though lacking any historical rigor, is commonplace in pro-Russian circles. Bortnikov elevates it to official doctrine.

The awkward fact: the City of London and Russian oligarchs

While Moscow issues threats, reality is stubborn: "no few Russian fat cats live like kings near the City of London," it was noted in the debate. The irony is lost on no one. The same regime that denounces London as an enemy keeps its economic elite in the financial heart of the UK. While Bortnikov talks about eliminating the puppet master, Russian capital keeps flowing into the City. Double standards, as always.