Putin’s close ally sparks WW3 fears, says the only acceptable outcome is the ‘Russian flag over Berlin’

A close ally of Vladimir Putin, a prominent Russian propagandist named Dmitry Rode, has dramatically escalated global tension by claiming that Moscow will only be satisfied when the “Russian flag over Berlin” is flying high. The Express reported that this shocking statement, shared in a video, is definitely stoking fears of a terrifying showdown between the East and the West.

Rode suggested that the invasion of Ukraine isn’t just about Ukraine; it’s actually a continuation of a centuries-old struggle against European powers. He was crystal clear that Russia views itself as being at war with Europe right now, and that their objectives haven’t changed at all since the February 2022 invasion. “People ask where we will stop,” Rode stated directly. “The only acceptable outcome is the Russian flag over Berlin.”

He didn’t just pull that idea out of thin air, either. Rode tried to justify his aggressive stance by invoking historical Russian military entries into the German capital in 1760, 1813, and 1945. He wrapped up his threat by saying, “We are currently ensuring the security of the Russian Federation, and Europe must understand we will not stop until our goals are met.” 

That sounds dire

The concerning bit is that this isn’t a statement being made in isolation. Not long ago, Sergei Karaganov stated that Russia would escalate to a nuclear standoff if they come close to losing the current war against Ukraine. This, with the end of the New START treaty, makes a conflict like World War Three a terrifying possibility.

Rode’s comments highlight the immediate, brutal realities on the ground. Just on Sunday, relentless drone and missile attacks tragically killed twelve miners traveling in a bus. These strikes also devastated critical Ukrainian infrastructure, leaving thousands without heating, electricity, or running water in the freezing winter conditions. 

In response, Ukrainian authorities are working hard to prevent Russia from using Starlink satellite services to guide their drones. Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on Elon Musk’s SpaceX to block this misuse of its services by Russian forces. To counter the threat, Ukrainian authorities now require registration in Ukraine for Starlink terminals to even function. Musk confirmed that the measures taken to prevent Russian use appear effective.

Despite this hardline rhetoric and the ongoing strikes, diplomatic efforts are still moving forward. 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 also confirmed on Sunday that he is sending a delegation to the talks.

Peskov described the negotiations as “very complex.” He noted that while some progress has been made, significant friction remains between the parties. The primary sticking point is Moscow’s demand to retain occupied territories in eastern Ukraine, specifically the industrial Donbas region.