A key ally of Vladimir Putin has warned that the “Horsemen of the Apocalypse are on their way” in a thinly-veiled swipe at western leaders.

Dmitry Medvedev warned that Moscow would attack cities in the west if Ukraine used missiles provided by the United States to attack Russia.

The 56-year-old, who served as president of Russia from 2008 to 2012 after Putin was forced to stand down due to term limits, is currently deputy head of Russia’s national security council.

Last week he issued a chilling statement that took aim at Ukraine and its allies.

He said: “I am often asked why my Telegram posts are so harsh. The answer is I hate them. They are b******s and degenerates.

“They want death for Russia. And while I’m alive, I will do everything to make them disappear.”

That followed an earlier warning that Russia was ready to expand its offensive if its territory came under attack from missiles supplied to Ukraine, reports the Times.

“The Horsemen of the Apocalypse are already on their way,” Medvedev said.

more at mirror.co.uk