The British media ridiculed their own government for threatening the Russian Federation

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who threatened Russia with a boycott of the World Cup due to the poisoning of former GRU officer Sergei Skripal, acted irresponsibly.

About it пишет International business newspaper Financial Times, headquartered in London.

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As former England players criticized the Foreign Secretary, officials stressed that Johnson was not referring to the team, but to senior figures, officials and possibly members of the royal family, the publication noted.

“Naturally, the prospect of a boycott by a distant relative of the last tsar increases diplomatic pressure to a dangerously high level. My fourth cousin's son didn't come to our wedding, and we didn't speak for several years. Or maybe he was the son of my second cousin—dealing with those distant relatives is always tricky. Nevertheless, one can imagine the panic that this news caused in the Kremlin,” the publication sarcastically notes.

Further, the newspaper, showing the absurdity of Boris Johnson's threats, publishes an imaginary conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his unnamed assistant and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev

Assistant: Hello, Vladimir Vladimirovich. I have a bad news.

Vladimir Putin: What are you saying... Was Donald Trump assassinated?

Assistant: No, it's much more serious. The British are furious over the poisoning of the traitor Skripal. They threaten retaliation.

V.P.: New financial sanctions?

Assistant: No...

V.P.: What are you talking about, are they really sending warships and gunboats? They don't have any at all.

Assistant: No, Vladimir Vladimirovich. Prince William, the great-great-grandson of the last Tsar's cousin, is boycotting the World Cup.

V.P.: Are you sure?

Assistant: Yes, Vladimir Vladimirovich. The British Foreign Secretary says he won't come.

V.P.: I mean, are you sure he’s the great-great-grandson of his cousin?

Assistant: Yes, Vladimir Vladimirovich. He is the great-great-grandson of the king's cousin.

V.P.: It turns out that he is a sixth cousin, right?

Assistant: I think not.

V.P.: The problem is serious. Invite Prime Minister Medvedev here. (Dmitry Medvedev arrives).

V.P.: Dmitry, we have a problem. Is Prince William the great-great-grandson of the Tsar's cousin or his sixth cousin?

D. Medvedev: I thought that he was the grandson of his fourth cousin.

V.P.: It will probably be very awkward.

D.M.: Maybe we could find out in Debrett’s (annual directory of the nobility - approx. transl.)?

V.P.: I mean boycott.

D.M.: This is probably even worse. The England team will still come.

V.P.: Well, yes. I remember how they didn’t come to the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. Four years later they went to war and the Argentine government was overthrown.

D.M.: The public will not like the boycott. The Russian people really want to see Jordan Henderson.

V.P.: There may be additional sanctions.

D.M.: What can they do?

V.P.: Come to the group stages and leave before the quarterfinals.

D.M.: Can they really do that?

V.P.: They did this before during several world championships.

D.M.: How is that?

V.P.: They play well for a couple of matches, and then suddenly - nothing! And a draw with Costa Rica. This is the oldest of diplomatic tricks.

D.M.: Do you think they will let the Belgians beat them?

V.P.: The British are subtle diplomats.

D.M.: But how do we know if they lost on purpose or if they just played poorly?

V.P.: This is part of their genius abilities. You'll never guess here.

D.M.: I thought they could do something more aggressive.

V.P.: For example, launch Harry Kane?

D.M.: No, Vladimir Vladimirovich. I meant perhaps they could expand financial sanctions, impose an embargo on exports, restrict entry into the country. Something that will be truly painful.

V.P.: I understand what you mean. Let our people abroad know. Let them not commit rash acts. And let them stay away from Portugal and Belgium. We don't want to lose Ronaldo or De Bruyne.

D.M.: Or King Philip.