Putin's threat to Sunak over 'nuclear plant sabotage plot'

VLADIMIR Putin yesterday warned Britain it faced 'serious consequences' after accusing UK special forces of disrupting Russian nuclear power plants.

The Kremlin dictator claimed, without providing evidence, that Britain's elite forces were training Ukrainian soldiers to damage atomic power lines in Russia.

He made his wild claim during a speech at an economic forum in the far eastern port city of Vladivostok - alleging his FSB security service uncovered the 'plot' while interrogating Ukrainian troops operating inside Russia.

He questioned if Britain was trying to provoke an attack on Ukrainian nuclear targets and, speaking of Rishi Sunak, he claimed he 'doesn't understand' the risks involved.

Putin said: 'Interrogation showed they (Ukrainian special services) had been tasked to damage one of our nuclear stations by exploding a power line... and this is not the first attempt.

'They admitted they were trained under supervision of British instructors. Do [the British] understand what they are playing with, or not?

'Are they provoking our response at Ukrainian nuclear sites, nuclear stations, or what?

'Does the British leadership, or the Prime Minister know what their special services are engaged with in Ukraine? Or do they have no clue at all? I assume this is possible, too. I assume it is possible British special services act on the orders of the Americans. Either way, we know the final beneficiary. But do they realise what they are playing with? I am afraid they simply underestimate... I know there will be howling that starts after my words like "These are threats!", "Nuclear blackmail!", and so on.'

The Russian president warned: 'These kinds of things are seriously concerning, because they [the UK] don't feel the ground - which can lead to serious consequences.'

Putin is due to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Russia as he pleads for ammunition and weapons for his faltering war in Ukraine.

Kim travelled to Vladivostok in his luxury armoured train. Experts say Moscow wants artillery shells and anti-tank missiles from North Korea, which wants advanced satellite and nuclear-powered submarine technology in return.

The White House has said North Korea would 'pay a price' if it supplies Russia with weaponry.

Navy sub sets record at sea A NUCLEAR submarine has set a new Royal Navy record for the longest patrol after spending more than six months at sea.

The Vanguard-class vessel with a crew of around 130 returned to port earlier this week after half a year spent hiding from Russian submarines in the North Atlantic.

The length of time at sea raises further questions about the shortage of vessels. Earlier this month, the Mail revealed how all six of the UK's attack submarines were in dry dock.

Vanguard subs are long past their retirement date.

'Do they have no clue at all?'