Putin mouthpiece issues brutal six-word threat to NATO chief

Vladimir Solovyov threatens NATO troops 'we'll kill you all'

Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov issued a six-word death threat to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte like on national television as he stoked tensions with the West. The notorious ally of Vladimir Putin, speaking on Rossiya 1, did not hold back as he assessed Mr Rutte's visit to Kyiv the previous day.

Specifically, Solovyov referenced a statement by State Duma Deputy Pyotr Tolstoy and directed the threat at Rutte and potential NATO troop deployments in Ukraine. He said: "And then, they lead NATO troops in. And what will be the response? Maybe you should ask Russia? And in response, we will kill all of you. As State Duma Deputy Pyotr Tolstoy said: 'We will kill all of you'."

Mark Rutte in Kyiv and Vladimir Solovyov (Image: GETTY)

He added: "Rutte, do you want to enter along with the contingent? Well, just to share its fate? Spring will come, right? And flowers will probably rise on your little grave... if they find it."

The broadcast followed Mr Rutte's trip to Kyiv on February 3, amid ongoing peace talks in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to a NATO press release,

In his broadcast, Solovyov commented on Rutte's arrival despite recent Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy sector. He said: "Rutte arrived in Kyiv. It was very curious. First of all, it's unclear why he had a place to speak. We seemingly delivered a very powerful blow to the energy sector." He dismissed Ukrainian reactions as a "pig-like squeal" from "Ukro-Nazis."

Solovyov mocked Mr Rutte's message of support, mimicking his words: "I know the winter is cold, but spring will come. Stay strong. I know you will do it." Bizarrely, he then questioned Mr Rutte personally: "Were you on Epstein’s island? I have a simple question for you. You’re over there croaking about something—were you on the island? Did Epstein’s people deal with you or not? Or are you such an insignificant politician that they didn't even invite you?"

Mark Rutte and Vladimir Zelensky in Kyiv (Image: Getty)

Mr Rutte met with staff at the NATO Representation to Ukraine before proceeding to Maidan Square with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. There, they lit a candle in memory of victims of Russia's war against Ukraine.

Rutte then visited Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, for a meeting with the first deputy speaker and delivered an address at the opening of the new session. In his remarks, Mr Rutte stated that Allied support to Ukraine would continue. "Ukraine is and will remain essential to our security," he said.

He emphasised the need for security guarantees in peace talks: "You need to know that this peace will be lasting. Not because papers have been signed, but because there is hard power to back it up.”

After a bilateral meeting with Mr Zelensky, the two addressed the media. Mr Rutte said: "Ukraine has resisted. Ukraine has defended. Ukraine has stood strong. NATO stands with you in word and in deed."

He also met with the Ukrainian Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Defence. During the visit, Mr Rutte toured a civilian heating plant struck by Russian missiles the previous night, accompanied by Ukraine's Minister of Energy and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

He highlighted NATO initiatives supporting Ukraine, including the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), which has supplied about 75% of Ukraine's Patriot missiles and 90% of missiles for other air defence systems since last summer. Additionally, the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) Trust Fund provides rehabilitation for Ukrainian veterans.

Mr Rutte said: "We are committed to ensuring you have what you need to defend today and secure an enduring peace for the future. The security and prosperity of Ukraine are not concerns only for Ukrainians, they are for all of us.”

Solovyov, a prominent figure on Russian state media and subject to international sanctions, has frequently commented on the Ukraine conflict.