Vladimir Solovyov, a prominent pro-Kremlin journalist who hosts a nightly show on state-controlled broadcaster Russia 1, has bragged that his country 'can destroy the world several times over' in a disturbing message aimed at US President Donald Trump. The outspoken supporter of Vladimir Putin, who is well known for his outbursts, was responding to a post by Mr Trump on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday.

In it, the billionaire said: "What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He's playing with fire!" Solovyov told his panel of guests: "Trump keeps writing stuff, I don't know what for. He is clearly living inside of an information bubble and does not ask even elementary questions.

"With respect to Donald Trump, I think Donald Trump is the one who does not understand, and not Russia or its supreme commander in chief."

Solovyov added: "From the beginning, we've been preparing for a war against NATO.

"So when these phrases come out, that 'we can do something bad', let me remind you of something: we can destroy the world several times over.

"I'll remind you of the words of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief: 'Who needs the world if Russia isn't in it?'"

Solovyov's bullish monologue continued: "So no one should harbour any illusions. There will be no meekness. It won't happen. If you want to threaten Russia, take a number and get in line; there are many ahead of you. Better yet, just look at the graves of those who threatened Russia.

"There were many of those in Russia's 1,000-year history. Come to your senses, all of you."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Wednesday as Ukraine seeks further military support amid a recent escalation in Russia's bombing campaign, despite US-led efforts to end the war.

Germany has been the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States. Merz has plunged into diplomatic efforts to try to secure a ceasefire and keep Western support for Ukraine intact since becoming Germany's leader three weeks ago. European leaders have accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of dragging his feet in US-led peace talks.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul was set to meet in Washington with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday.

Mr Zelensky said Tuesday that Ukraine is ready to hold peace talks at the highest level, including a trilateral meeting with himself, Putin and US President Donald Trump.

He said: "We are ready to meet at the level of leaders. Both the American side knows this, and the Russian side knows this."

Mr Zelensky said he would accept any configuration of talks, whether that includes one trilateral meeting or separate meetings with Trump.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is grateful to Trump for his mediation efforts.