Putin calls NATO leader ‘little pig’ as he deploys missiles minutes from major capital

*original source The Daily Express


Russian President Vladimir Putin has derisively referred to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as a "little pig" and openly discussed the positioning of Russian missiles within striking range of the UK.

The Russian leader also verified that the Oreshnik missile system will be deployed in Belarus in the coming days, positioning it mere minutes from London. Ukrainian intelligence sources indicate this manoeuvre isn't designed to menace Ukraine, but rather to target European capitals, reports the Express.

The system will be positioned only 124 miles from Lithuania and the closest NATO frontier, dramatically cutting flight times throughout the EU when compared to launches originating from Russian soil.

Oleh Ivashchenko, chief of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, stated: "The deployment of Oreshnik on Belarusian territory is a means of pressure primarily on the EU and NATO, not on Ukraine.

"This move will allow Russia to expand its capabilities for striking the capital of any European country and significantly reduce missile flight time compared to launching from the Kapustin Yar test site."

Complete Article:

MSN

 

[Andy C]

Time for aggressive counter balance moves.

 

[Margery]

Oleh Ivashchenko, chief of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, stated: "The deployment of Oreshnik on Belarusian territory is a means of pressure primarily on the EU and NATO, not on Ukraine.

That is the intention, - to threaten NATO in Western Europe but that cracked me up.

Insults in Russian culture convey a lot about what Russians are thinking. Who they insult, what they use and who the audience is. What popular culture here calls a flex.

What Putin said (and Putin was the one insulting Keir Starmer- leader to leader) was meant for local Russian consumption. And to make fun of Keir's weakness politically within Great Britain. A put down.

The message to his fellow Russians was similar, only this time Putin is explaining that the great and mighty mother Russia gets to push the west around.

Which immediately makes me think Putin's feeling a little weak in his negotiations with Trump over the Ukrainian deal. He HAS to look strong because this fall his life has been on the line. There were some unusual power struggles going on in the Kremlin with Putin's power base in the former KGB leaving him hanging.

Lavrov (one of his faithfuls) disappeared for a bit, then reappeared. (Foreign Minister)

The fact that this is linked with the Ukraine situation (and it is, make no mistake) means that Russia is feeling vulnerable and is posturing aggressively in another direction to cover that weakness. My guess is that it's crunch time in negotiations with that Trump Ukraine deal.

Best defence being a good offence, and with Russian culture being what it is, the more offensive the insult, the better! It is a flex but it is also a test to see how it's received.

Makes me miss my Russian mother in law at the Russian Community Centre in full battle gear in the kitchen! Quelling rebellion from the other ladies, insisting on having her own way, dishing insults like crockery! I loved her dearly, and it was so much fun to watch. She would register a hit from another lady giving her best shot, and give back better. Putin is doing the same.