-
Does taking paracetamol while pregnant cause autism? No, experts say
-
We can build fighter jet without Germany: France's Dassault
-
Atletico owners negotiating with US firm Apollo over majority stake sale - reports
-
Stocks mark time with eyes on key economic data
-
Tabilo stuns Musetti for Chengdu title, Bublik wins in Hangzhou
-
Trump returns to UN to attack 'globalist' agenda
-
No.1 Scheffler plays down great expectations at Ryder Cup
-
WHO sees no autism links to Tylenol, vaccines
-
US Fed official urges proactive approach on rates to boost jobs market
-
Nearly 100 buffaloes die in Namibia stampede
-
UN chief warns 'aid cuts are wreaking havoc' amid slashed budgets
-
Schools shut, flights axed as Typhoon Ragasa nears Hong Kong, southern China
-
Hundreds trapped as typhoon triggers barrier lake burst in Taiwan
-
EU proposes new delay to anti-deforestation rules
-
Man City have 'recovered many things': Guardiola
-
Thailand to 'clarify misunderstandings' after SEA Games petanque ban
-
Denmark brands mystery drone flights 'serious' attack
-
Iran executed at least 1,000 this year in prison 'mass killing': NGO
-
France's Dassault says can build European fighter jet without Germany
-
Former umpire 'Dickie' Bird dies aged 92
-
Ghana deports at least six west Africans expelled by US to Togo
-
Bradley admits thoughts linger about having played in Ryder Cup
-
EU queries Apple, Google, Microsoft over financial scams
-
OECD raises world growth outlook as tariffs contained, for now
-
Former umpire Harold 'Dickie' Bird dies aged 92
-
Cycling worlds bring pride to African riders despite disadvantages
-
Stocks diverge with eyes on key economic data
-
German business groups pressure Merz over ailing economy
-
Drone flights 'most serious attack' on Danish infrastructure, PM says
-
Indonesia, EU sign long-awaited trade deal
-
Howe confident Newcastle will find 'X factor'
-
Trump returns to UN podium and Zelensky talks
-
Tech migrants 'key' for US growth, warns OECD chief economist
-
East Timor to become ASEAN bloc's 11th member in October
-
OECD ups world economic outlook as tariffs contained, for now
-
India bids tearful farewell to maverick musician
-
Sunset for Windows 10 updates leaves users in a bind
-
Hopes of Western refuge sink for Afghans in Pakistan
-
'Real' Greek farmers fume over EU subsidies scandal
-
Trump to see Zelensky and lay out dark vision of UN
-
US lawmaker warns of military 'misunderstanding' risk with China
-
Emery seeks Europa League lift with Villa as Forest end long absence
-
Egypt frees activist Alaa Abdel Fattah after Sisi pardon
-
Gibbs, Montgomery doubles as Lions rampage over Ravens
-
Asian markets struggle as focus turns to US inflation
-
Schools shut, flights cancelled as Typhoon Ragasa nears Hong Kong
-
Maverick Georgian designer Demna debuts for Gucci in Milan
-
What do some researchers call disinformation? Anything but disinformation
-
Jimmy Kimmel show to return Tuesday
-
Unification Church leader arrested in South Korea
Dictator Putin threatens to destroy Kiev
War criminal Putin Threatens to Destroy Kyiv: A Grave Escalation in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
In an alarming escalation of rhetoric, Russian Dictator Vladimir Putin has threatened to "destroy" Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, in the latest chapter of the ongoing conflict that has already led to widespread destruction and loss of life. His comments, made in a televised address, have intensified fears of a broader military offensive and raised concerns over the fate of Ukraine’s civilians.
A Dangerous Threat Amid Ongoing War
Putin’s remarks, made during a meeting with Russian military officials, have sparked immediate international condemnation. The rRussian war criminal Vladimir Putin suggested that Kyiv could face severe consequences if it continues to resist Russian demands, warning that Russia would not hesitate to use its military power to achieve its objectives. The threat of complete destruction harkens back to some of the darkest moments in modern warfare, raising the spectre of indiscriminate violence against civilians and further devastation to Ukraine’s already battered infrastructure.
This latest development comes as Russian forces continue their assault on Ukraine, which began with an invasion in February 2022. Despite the initial expectations of a swift Russian victory, Ukrainian forces, bolstered by Western support, have proven resilient, successfully repelling Russian advances and regaining territory in key regions.
The Context of Putin’s Remarks
Putin’s threat to destroy Kyiv is not made in isolation; it is part of a broader pattern of increasingly harsh language and military tactics used by Russia throughout the war. Since the beginning of the invasion, Russia has targeted civilian infrastructure, with devastating airstrikes on cities across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Mariupol.
Putin’s comments appear to be a reaction to mounting setbacks on the battlefield, as Ukrainian forces make gains in the eastern and southern parts of the country. The Russian president has consistently framed the invasion as part of a "special military operation" aimed at protecting Russian-speaking populations and countering what he describes as the West’s encroachment on Russia’s sphere of influence. However, with growing international condemnation and increasing Ukrainian resistance, Putin’s rhetoric has become more aggressive.
International Reactions: Warnings and Condemnations
World leaders have quickly condemned Putin’s threat. The United States, the European Union, and NATO have all issued statements denouncing the rhetoric and reaffirming their support for Ukraine. The US President, who will remain in office until 20 January 2025, Joe Biden, called the remarks "reckless" and emphasised the West’s commitment to helping Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to Putin’s threats with defiance, stating that Ukraine would not capitulate to intimidation and would continue to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Zelenskyy’s government has called for an immediate response from the international community, urging more military aid and tougher sanctions against Russia.
The United Nations also condemned Putin’s statements, with Secretary-General António Guterres calling for an immediate de-escalation of the conflict. "The threat to target civilian areas, particularly Kyiv, is a dangerous and deeply concerning development," Guterres said, underscoring the urgent need for diplomacy to prevent further bloodshed.
The Potential Consequences of Escalation
The implications of Putin’s threat are far-reaching. Kyiv, with its population of nearly three million people, is the heart of Ukraine’s political, cultural, and economic life. A major military assault on the capital would likely result in a humanitarian catastrophe, exacerbating the already dire conditions in the country. Thousands more lives could be lost, and the destruction of critical infrastructure could make recovery even more difficult.
Moreover, Putin’s threat to obliterate Kyiv risks further destabilising an already volatile region. The potential for an expanded conflict involving NATO and other global powers becomes ever more probable if Russia carries out such an attack. Western allies have made it clear that any major assault on Kyiv would be met with further sanctions and increased military aid to Ukraine, though the risk of direct confrontation between Russia and NATO remains a dangerous possibility.
A Dark Outlook for Peace
As the war drags on, diplomatic solutions seem increasingly elusive. Putin’s rhetoric, marked by an apparent disregard for the lives of Ukrainian civilians, suggests that Moscow’s leadership remains entrenched in its objectives of subjugation and territorial gain. While Ukraine has made progress on the battlefield, the threat of even more devastating attacks looms large.
For now, the international community continues to rally behind Ukraine, providing the military, financial, and humanitarian support necessary to sustain the nation’s resistance. However, with tensions continuing to rise, the question remains: how much longer can Ukraine endure, and how will the world respond to Putin’s increasingly dangerous threats?
As the war continues to unfold, one thing is certain—Kyiv’s fate, and the fate of Ukraine itself, hangs in the balance.

Germany and its outdated pension system

How important is sustainable development?

Berlin: EU-Summit of western Balkan heads of state

Putin's War Will Go Bankrupt if the Oil Prices Drop

Germany: The fight against economic migrants

Polish PM and the danger of asylum seekers

Ukraine: Recruiters searched Kyiv venues

EU: Austrian elections shake Establishment

Terrorist state Iran: ‘We are ready to attack Israel again’

EU: Greenpeace warns of dying farms

EU: Tariffs on all Chinese electric Cars
