Russian Propagandist Calls for Assassination of EU Leaders

Vladimir Solovyov, a prominent propagandist for Vladimir Putin, has openly called for the assassination of two European leaders during his radio show, *Full Contact*. His remarks have sparked outrage as he specifically named Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, accusing her and another leader of “stealing” Russian assets amid ongoing tensions related to the conflict in Ukraine.

Solovyov’s incendiary comments come in response to a recently proposed European Union plan aimed at raising nearly £80 billion to support Ukraine. This plan includes measures to seize Russian assets or borrow against those that have already been frozen, making it the largest financial initiative related to the war to date. On his show, Solovyov stated, “An old thieving with Ursula von der Leyen is trying to steal our assets,” likening her actions to those of “a new Hitler.”

In his tirade, Solovyov suggested that European officials who disrupt relations with Russia should be treated as terrorists. He remarked, “We should declare that Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas are terrorists. If we find them in the outhouse, we’ll whack them there,” according to reports from the *Express*. This rhetoric underscores the increasing volatility of the discourse surrounding the war and its implications for international relations.

In response to the financial proposal, von der Leyen explained that the funds would cover two-thirds of Ukraine’s financing needs until 2027, amounting to €90 billion. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Since pressure is the only language the Kremlin responds to, we can also dial it up.”

Currently, there are approximately £180 billion in state and private Russian assets frozen within European banks and clearing houses. Most of this sum, about £160 billion, is held in Euroclear, Belgium. However, the Belgian government has indicated it does not support the transfer of these funds to Ukraine due to concerns over potential legal ramifications.

The exchange highlights the escalating confrontations between Russia and the European Union, particularly as the war in Ukraine continues to unfold. As both sides navigate these complex geopolitical waters, the rhetoric and proposed measures reflect a deepening divide and the potential for further conflict.

With Solovyov’s comments, the stakes seem to rise, bringing the issue of political violence and personal threats into the public discourse. Such statements not only raise concerns about the safety of public officials but also challenge the diplomatic avenues that may still exist for resolving tensions between Russia and the West. It remains to be seen how these developments will impact future relations and the ongoing efforts to support Ukraine amidst the war.