A PUTIN propagandist has floated the idea of the Kremlin nuking its own territory after Ukrainian forces stormed in.
Broadcaster and Vlad mouthpiece Sergey Mardan said fighting on Russia’s turf should put nuclear missiles firmly on the agenda.
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It came after Kyiv’s troops launched a major attack on Russian region Kursk, the biggest blitz into the country since the Second World War.
Now Mardan has discussed blowing it into oblivion in a shock take on a talk show.
He justified his point of view by arguing Kursk was so core to Russian values that it can’t be allowed to be invaded.
He said: “As for all the opinions that have been discussed over the last two years about the possibility of a nuclear strike by Russia, what could be the consequences, what could be the reaction of the West.
“Well, in this situation I’m convinced that the reaction will be … everyone will be a bit upset, of course.
“But in general they will say OK, it’s logical. What did you expect? The fighting is not just on Russian territory.
“Therefore, a scenario in which a strike is launched against AFU (Armed Forces of Ukraine) military facilities with the use of nuclear warheads ceases to be theoretical, ceases to be unlikely.”
Of course, a nuclear attack would have wide-ranging ramifications, likely endangering Russia’s own.
But Mardan maintained Kursk was just too important to be attacked by Ukraine, and it seems his solution is to simply blast it away.
He said: “Kursk region is such a Russia that – I don’t even know what to compare it to.
“Such an Indigenous historical core, the Russian core. And there’s fighting going on there right now.”
A bumper Ukrainian force beefed up by armoured vehicles was on Tuesday expected to advance, with a number of villages – as much as 15 kilometres beyond the border – appearing to be captured already.
A rattled President Vlad labelled it a provocation and held an emergency meeting with Moscow security agencies.
A Putin cabinet meeting statement said: “The Kyiv regime is conducting indiscriminate shooting from various types of weapons, including missiles, at civilian buildings, residential houses and ambulances.
“Following my conversation with the acting governor of the Kursk region, instructions have been given to several civilian agencies to provide the necessary assistance to the region’s residents.
“I also ask the government to take up this matter immediately.”
According to Ukrainian media, 40 Russians surrendered in Kursk, with a picture showing a big group of soldiers lined up along a road.
Russian military chief Valery Gerasimov said there were up to 1,000 Ukrainian troops deployed near the Kursk region.
Why does Ukraine launch cross-border strikes on Russia?
By James Halpin, Foreign News Reporter
Ukraine has attacked Russia itself a number of times since Russia invaded their neighbour in February, 2022.
The strikes have included both ground assaults with tanks and troops, and also by using long-range missiles.
In March, Ukraine-supporting rebels from the Freedom of Russia Legion (FRL), Siberian Battalion (SB) and Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK) launched a two-pronged assault.
In May last year, the Free Russia Legion attacked the country as they sought to “build a free Russia”.
None of the incursions have so far been able to hold any land, with the invaders being beaten back or retreating.
Ultimately, they seek to stretch Russian forces, strike Russia in unprotected areas, and destroy critical infrastructure like logistics hubs, ammunition depots, or disrupt Russian events.
Gerasimov claimed – with little evidence – that the surprise Ukrainian thrust has been stopped.
He said: “Units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, numbering up to 1,000 men, went on the offensive in order to seize a section of territory in the Sudzhinsky district of Kursk region.
“Through the actions of units covering the State border along with border guards and reinforcement units, air strikes, missile forces and artillery fire, the enemy’s advance deep into the territory in the Kursk city direction was halted.”
He claimed Ukraine had suffered 315 losses with 100 killed and 215 wounded.
He added: “Fifty-four units of armoured vehicles, including seven tanks, were destroyed.
“The operation will be completed by defeating the enemy and reaching the state border.”
Russia is pouring in reinforcements but it is already known that Ukraine is in control of key Sudzha gas metering station, which is used as a gas transit to Europe through Ukraine.
This potentially gives Kyiv the ability to disrupt existing exports still flowing despite sanctions.
Fighting is focused on small villages across the lightly guarded frontier, with Russia said to be evacuating civilians.
Footage posted of the attack to social media showed fighter jets screaming low over a highway, destroyed Russian helicopters, and burnt out trucks.
Another clip claimed to show captive Russian soldiers walking in a line and escorted by their new Ukrainian guards.
Ukraine claimed that Russia does now “not control the border”.
Pro-war hardline military commentators slammed the high command in the Russian army and defence ministry for failing to counter the Ukrainians.
One furious resident in Sudzha complained: “Where is our vaunted army? Where is the air defence….?
“We have nothing there.”
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Mandatory evacuation was announced for 23 settlements and five “hromradas” (a village or group of villages) in Ukraine near the Russian border.
About 6000 people, included 425 kids, were being rushed out.
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