A Russian state TV presenter has made the shocking claim that the UK is preparing to attack the country with nuclear weapons.
Well-known journalist Vladimir Solovyov alleged that images and reports about invading troops committing genocide in Ukraine are being shown in the UK to prepare the British public.
He claimed the images of tortured and people and destroyed homes and towns were simply to sway public opinion in the UK against Moscow.
The BBC's Francis Scarr, who works in the Monitoring department, said the claims were broadcast on the highly-controlled state TV on Monday night.
Mr Solovyov tells the guests in the studio: "It's the perfect option for the West.
"Not America as it would be a pity for them [to be hit in retaliation], but Britain strikes the country which is guilty of genocide, and which is upsetting poor, unhappy Zelensky.
"It also becomes clear that we've taken out a load of British instructors in Ukraine.
"And Britain, which possesses nuclear weapons, strikes us with tactical nukes."
He is asked by a contributor on the show if Britain can do it on its own, without the Americans.
Mr Solovyov insisted: "They have their own nukes. Britain and France have their own nuclear weapons and carrier vehicles for them. You know, hypothetically.
"And for America, it's the perfect option. First, they rid themselves of Britain.
"And then, well we wouldn't be supposed to touch them in retaliation."
He then adds a dig at the British Prime Minister: "Can anyone understand what's going on in Johnson's head?"
Today, Russian forces tried to push through Ukrainian defences along almost the entire frontline in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday, launching what President Volodymyr Zelensky called the "Battle of the Donbas".
Speaking in his nightly address the Ukrainian president said a "very large part of the entire Russian army" is now focused on the offensive.
"No matter how many Russian troops they send there, we will fight. We will defend ourselves."
Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, assured Ukrainians their forces could hold off the offensive.
"Believe in our army, it is very strong," he said.
The coal and steel producing Donbas region has been the focal point of Russia's campaign to destabilise Ukraine since 2014.
Ukraine's general staff said Russian forces aimed to establish full control over the Donetsk, Luhansk and Kherson regions, while intensifying missile strikes in west Ukraine.
Russia has also been trying to take full control of the southeastern port city of Mariupol, which has been besieged since the war's early days.
Tens of thousands of residents have been trapped in the city with no access to food or water and bodies littering the streets.
Ukraine believes more than 20,000 civilians have died there.
Major Serhiy Volyna, commander of Ukraine's 36th marine brigade which is still fighting in Mariupol, appealed for help
in a letter to Pope Francis.
"This is what hell looks like on Earth... It's time (for) help not just by prayers. Save our lives from satanic hands," he
said in the letter, according to excerpts that Ukraine's Vatican ambassador posted on Twitter.
