A prominent Russian propagandist has issued yet another terrifying threat to NATO, which includes the UK among its members. Sending a direct warning to Western nations, Russian television host and close ally to Vladimir Putin, Vladimir Solovyov, mentioned what he thinks would happened should “NATO troops [be] brought in” Ukraine to support the eastern European country under Russian attack.

Last week, President Vladimir Putin reportedly agreed to pause attacks on Kyiv for seven days, following a ‘personal request’ from US President Donald Trump. The Kremlin claimed the truce was limited to Kyiv rather than to all Ukrainian cities as argued by Mr Trump, and said it had ended on February 1. Earlier today, an early-morning Russian aerial attack on Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region left eight people injured and damaged 18 apartment blocks, regional military administration head Ivan Fedorov said. A dog shelter in the regional capital was also struck, killing 13 dogs, according to city council secretary Rehina Kharchenko.

Some of the animals were rushed to a veterinary clinic but could not be saved.

Russia also used a number of ballistic missiles to target Ukraine’s energy sector earlier this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. This affected tens of thousands of people and brought an end to a short-lived pause agreed upon by Moscow and Washington, as Ukrainians contend with rapidly dropping winter temperatures.

In the midst of Russian attacks plunging Ukrainians into cold and darkness, Mr Solovyov, appearing on his programme ‘The Evening With Vladimir Solovyov’, launched an attack on NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who on February 3 visited Ukraine and told the war-torn nation to “stay strong”.

In his pointed warning, the propagandist mocked Mr Rutte, and appeared to dare him to get the military alliance to step into Ukraine.

He said: “Then, let’s say NATO troops will be brought in. Maybe you’ll ask Russia what will happen in response? In response, we will kill all of you. As State Duma deputy Pyotr Tolstoy said, we will kill all of you.”

He continued: “Rutte, do you want to come in with the contingent, just so you can share its fate?”

He then referenced Ukraine’s freezing weather.

Mr Solovyov said: “Spring is coming right? Flowers will probably grow on your grave, if anyone will be able to find it.

“Do you want us to pity the residents of Kyiv, who are so cold right now.”

A deal signed just weeks ago by Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron could see British and French troops deployed in the country – but only after a ceasefire as a peacekeeping force.

The agreement would place European forces in Ukraine to deter renewed Russian aggression, alongside UK plans to build protected weapons facilities and supply arms to help rebuild Ukraine’s military.