David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary. Photo: x.com/DavidLammy
Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev issued threats against British journalists on his Telegram channel in connection with an editorial article in the newspaper The Times, published in the issue for Tuesday, December 17, 2024. The article stated that «The assassination of (Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov. — NT) — is a discriminatory blow against the aggressor. It underscores the need for Western governments, many of which are wavering, to provide Ukraine with all necessary support to conduct a just war for self-defense».
Dmitry Medvedev, in his characteristic manner, called British journalists «bastards» and «a legitimate military target» (!) On his Telegram channel, he wrote:
«...It is impossible to ignore the publication in The Times. The bastards in the editorial article called the terrorist attack against I. A. Kirillov and his assistant «a legitimate act of defense».
Well... By this logic:
1. All officials of NATO countries who made decisions on military aid to Bandera's Ukraine are participating in a hybrid or conventional war against Russia. Their name is legion. I won't list them, it's a waste of space. And all these individuals can and should be considered a legitimate military target for the Russian state. And simply for all patriots of Russia.
2. The individuals who executed the crimes against Russia, named in item 1, always have accomplices. And they too are now a legitimate military target. They may include the lousy jackals from The Times, who cowardly hid behind the editorial article. Therefore, this is the entire leadership of the publication.
Logical? Quite! And therefore, be careful! Because a lot happens in London...»
Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev. Photo: Getty Images
The UK government reacted harshly to these statements by Dmitry Medvedev.
Responding to Medvedev's threat, the official representative of Prime Minister Starmer said:
«...I am glad they are studying our newspaper in Moscow. Unlike Russia, a free press is the cornerstone of our democracy. We take any threats from Russia incredibly seriously. The foremost duty of the government is to protect its citizens. We will do everything possible to protect the British public and the freedom of the press...»
David Lammy, Foreign Secretary, wrote on social media:
«...Medvedev's gangster threats against the «Times» journalists smack of desperation. Our newspapers represent the best British values: freedom, democracy, and independent thinking. I support The Times...»
For my part, I can say that I am glad to live in a country where government ministers stand up for journalists and press freedom.