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Jeremy Vine has faced backlash after ‘callously’ suggesting Russian soldiers ‘deserve to die’ for taking part in the invasion of Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his military to move in on Ukraine last week, sparking an ongoing campaign of heavy bombing across the country that has led to the deaths of more than 2,000 civilians.
On Monday, Vine hosted a discussion on his Channel 5 daytime programme titled: ‘Would you go and fight in Ukraine?’
He asked one caller named Bill from Manchester: ‘What’s your problem with fighting Russians if they’ve invaded Ukraine? What’s your problem with doing that?’
For the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, visit our live blog: Russia-Ukraine live
Referring to World War Two, the guest said: ‘Russia were our allies. The people of Russia are not our enemies.
‘I don’t think they’re the enemies. Quite a number of those Russians you’ll probably find will go across… they were holding their hands up this morning not wanting to fight the Ukrainians.’
‘They were told lies by Putin, surprise, surprise,’ Bill added.
Vine then challenged: ‘True, but Bill, the brutal reality is that you put on a uniform for Putin and you go and fight his war, you probably deserve to die, don’t you?’
Bill was clearly shocked and asked: ‘Do you? Do kids deserve to die, aged 18 to 20? Called up, conscripted, who don’t understand it?’
Jeremy replied matter-of-factly: ‘That’s life. That’s the way it goes,’ to which Bill said: ‘Who don’t grasp the issues?’
‘If we practice the brutality of war you never learn from that,’ Bill said.
Viewers were equally as shocked as Bill and criticised Vine in their droves, with many pointing out that conscription exists in Russia, where men between the ages of 18-27 must complete at least one year in the army.
Reacting to Vine’s comments, one viewer tweeted: ‘@theJeremyVine showing that he hasn’t got a clue. About anything. Those soldiers are mainly conscripts. They don’t have a choice. They certainly don’t “deserve” to die. Tool.’
Another said: ‘That’s life’??? They’ve barely had one!!’
One other viewer agreed: ‘Wait did @theJeremyVine really say “if you put on a Russian uniform you deserve to die”?? Is he unaware that all male Russian citizens aged 18–27 are subject to conscription for 1 year of active duty military service in armed forces?? Many don’t choose to wear the uniform!’
Sharing their thoughts, another wrote: ‘If they go, they go by choice, knowing the consequences, unlike the poor 17 year olds who are conscripted by Russia to fight in Ukraine, whose families are at risk if they refuse. They do not “deserve to die”, as you have said. They are victims too. You though are a callous POS. ‘
One other said: ‘Well done @loosewomen for mentioning those poor young Russians being forced to fight. Unlike Jeremy vine who said they deserve to die.’
A particularly shocked viewer said Vine’s remark was ‘truly vile’.
Metro.co.uk has reached out to Jeremy Vine’s reps for comment.
Jeremy Vine airs weekdays from 9:15am on Channel 5.
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