WW3 fears as Putin puppet says he ‘will raise Russian flag in Berlin’ | World | News
A Russian propagandist and close ally of Vladimir Putin has claimed Moscow will only be satisfied with the “Russian flag over Berlin”, stoking fears of a terrfying showdown between east and west. Dmitry Rode suggested the invasion of Ukraine was a continuation of a centuries-old struggle against European powers – and said Russia was at war with Europe.
In a video shared on social media, Dmitry Rode stated that Russia’s objectives remain unchanged since the February 2022 invasion. He said: “People ask where we will stop. The only acceptable outcome is the Russian flag over Berlin.” Rode invoked historical Russian military entries into the German capital in 1760, 1813, and 1945 to justify his stance. He added: “We are currently ensuring the security of the Russian Federation, and Europe must understand we will not stop until our goals are met.”
Rode’s comments, highlighted by former Ukrainian interior ministry adviser Anton Gerashchenko, reflect a blend of expansionist rhetoric and historical revisionism. Mr Gerashchenko frequently shares clips of extremist statements to alert Western audiences to the bellicose messaging prevalent on Russian state media.
These remarks emerged alongside renewed diplomatic efforts to end the confict. A new round of US-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine is scheduled for this week in Abu Dhabi, following a brief postponement.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the trilateral negotiations will take place on Wednesday and Thursday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Sunday he is sending a delegation to the talks.
The Trump administration has been instrumental in pushing both sides towards compromise, though central issues remain unresolved as the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion approaches later this month.
Peskov described the negotiations as “very complex,” noting that while some progress has been made, significant friction remains. This follows a weekend meeting in Miami between Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev and US officials.
A primary sticking point remains Moscow’s demand to retain occupied territories in eastern Ukraine, specifically the industrial Donbas region. Meanwhile, Russian strikes continue to batter Ukrainian infrastructure.
On Sunday, drone and missile attacks killed 12 miners in a bus and devastated the power grid. The strikes have left thousands without heating, electricity, or running water in freezing winter conditions.
To counter these threats, Ukrainian authorities are taking steps to prevent Russia from using Starlink satellite services to guide drones.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on Elon Musk’s SpaceX to block unauthorised use of its services by Russia.
Starlink terminals now require registration in Ukraine to function, with unregistered devices being disabled. Mr Musk confirmed on X that measures to prevent Russian use appeared effective, adding that further action could be taken if necessary.
The combination of incendiary rhetoric from Moscow and relentless strikes on civilian targets underscores the fragility of current diplomacy.
