British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said on Thursday that on Victory Day – an annual Russian commemoration of the end of World War II on May 9 – Russia could declare war on the “Nazis of the world”.
British defense officials said earlier this month that Russia “is likely to wish to demonstrate a significant” military success before the holidays.
Wallace’s comments came during an appearance on LBC radio on Thursday. During the broadcast, host Nick Ferrari asked about the upcoming vacation.
“We’re what, nine, ten days away from what’s usually their big parade day?
“Well, I think we’ve seen a number of statements from Putin recently saying, ‘This is going to be a war, this is a proxy war, which it isn’t… Nazis are basically everywhere. They are not only in Ukraine, NATO is full of Nazis.
“And I think what he’s going to do is he’s going to move away from his ‘special ops’ … and he’s laid the groundwork to be able to say, ‘Look, this is a war against the Nazis now,’ and what I do need is more people, I basically need more Russian cannon fodder.”
Wallace added that he had “no information about it,” but said Putin will “probably declare this May Day that we are now at war with the world’s Nazis and need to mobilize the Russian people en masse.” “
A British defense official said Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin could declare war on the “Nazis of the world” next month. Above: Putin speaks during the Council of Legislators at the Tauride Palace April 27 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. contributor
“Which is actually a pathetic attempt to cover up the fact that his generals did in fact send thousands of men to their deaths because of their incompetence and arrogance and ego.”
In the days before, Russia had made threatening statements to NATO. In a speech on Wednesday, Putin said those who interfere with Russia’s actions in Ukraine and create “unacceptable threats of a strategic nature” for us would react “with lightning speed.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday that “essentially NATO will go to war with Russia through a proxy and arm that proxy.”
On Friday, a NATO official warned it could be years before the war in Ukraine comes to an end.
“It is clear that the next few days and weeks could prove crucial, but the war would likely last longer,” NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană said. “Could be weeks, months or even years – it depends on a lot of factors.”
Newsweek has reached out to the Russian Foreign Ministry for comment.