WWIII Risk on Rise: Russians Consider Retaliation Against UK Military Over Black Sea Attack

Calls for retaliation are rising in Russia following Ukraine's successful attack on a Russian naval ship in the Black Sea, aided by missiles supplied by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense, according to sources.

The recent strike on the 370-foot Ropucha-class Novocherkassk landing ship resulted in the death or injury of numerous Russian service members.

Acknowledging the damage inflicted on the vessel, which reportedly carried up to 87 combatants, President Vladimir Putin vowed revenge raids in Crimea.

Some in Russia, like political scientist Yuri Baranchik, are advocating for a response targeting the British military, specifically the HMS Diamond warship. Baranchik claims the attack is a calculated move by Britain and the United States to disrupt the positive momentum Russia gained from recent successes in the Ukraine conflict, Newsweek reported.

Describing the assault as a "training exercise" for a potential strike on Russia's Northern Fleet, Baranchik's sentiments were shared by others who view it as a significant blow to Putin's navy.

UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps highlighted the impact on Russia's Black Sea Fleet, with 20 percent reportedly destroyed in the past four months, Sky News reported.

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Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Mark Cancian suggested that Putin, known for making threats through media outlets, might resort to surrogate attacks on UK forces to avoid a direct conflict with NATO, according to Newsweek.

The United States and its NATO allies have been cautious about direct involvement to prevent the escalation of a third world war. Despite Putin's numerous threats, the Russian leader has yet to act on them.