Boris Johnson should be the one to apologise for a mock clip that shows Ireland being wiped out by a nuclear weapon, a Russian TV host has brazenly said.
Ireland condemned the graphic clip which showed the British Isles being totally destroyed and was broadcast by Russian State TV.
The country's Prime Minister Micheal Martin described the simulation as "sinister" and demanded an apology from Russia or "whoever instigated this."
But Dmitry Kiselyov said it is Mr Johnson who should be the one to say sorry.
The Russian TV anchor, who is friends with Vladimir Putin, accused Mr Johnson of upping the ante two weeks ago when he allegedly threatened to hit Russia with nuclear weapons.
He also claimed that "Ireland flew into a rage" after the mock-up clip was released.
“I completely agree that an apology should be forthcoming from the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for his groundless threat to strike Russia," Mr Kiselyov told the programme.
"But we’re not intimidating anyone. Talking about our capability has an anti-war modality."
Mr Kiselyov said on Sunday that "of course as a neutral country, it wasn't nice for Ireland to become collateral damage in Britain's clash with Russia."
But he went onto claim that Mr Johnson issued a "provocative and absolutely groundless hypothesis" in saying that Russia could use a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine.
Addressing Mr Martin's request for an apology, he said: "Let us remind you, it was a threat made to us from London.
"Back then, Boris Johnson made a provocative and absolutely groundless hypothesis, saying that Russia could allegedly use a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine.
"And after that, in response, and without consulting Nato, Britain would strike Russia.
“It’s clear that Boris Johnson, having simulated a Russian nuclear attack, was also threatening us specifically with a nuclear strike in revenge.
“We had to say then that the whole British archipelago is basically a sinkable island.
“And Russia has every capability for such a nuclear retaliation.”
Mr Kiselyov threatened to “sink the British Isles” two weeks ago, prompting Mr Martin’s reaction.
The Irish Prime Minister said that Russia had used "intimidatory type tactics" but that he did not think anyone would be intimidated.
"I think it reflects a mindset that is worrying and not in touch with reality," he said.
"I think there should be an apology forthcoming."
The Russian news channel played a clip of the Taoiseach reacting to the original mock-up clip of Ireland being destroyed by a nuclear weapon.
Mr Kyselyov added: “As they say, let’s not start.
"It will end badly. It’s better to live in peace."
