In a dramatic warning to the United States, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council and former Russian President, cautioned American leaders against underestimating Russia’s stance on nuclear threats. Speaking to RT on Saturday, Medvedev expressed concerns that the US might be taking the Russian nuclear deterrent lightly, suggesting this could lead to dire consequences.
Medvedev, a key figure in Russian politics and one-time president from 2008 to 2012, pulled no punches in emphasizing the stakes involved. “The top officials in the US think that World War Three is unlikely, believing that Russians will never cross a certain line. They are wrong,” Medvedev stated with bluntness, underscoring what he sees as a dangerously flawed perception within the US and European leadership.
Medvedev highlighted what he perceives as a lack of “foresight and subtlety of mind” among today’s Western leaders compared to historical figures such as Henry Kissinger. He argued that, for Russia, any existential threat to its statehood would inevitably be met with force, as underscored by multiple Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin. “If the existence of our state is threatened, we simply will not have any choice,” Medvedev affirmed, suggesting that Moscow’s response would be uncompromising.
Ukraine Conflict Reaches a Critical Juncture
As the ongoing war in Ukraine enters what Russian officials are calling its “most dangerous phase,” Medvedev’s statements come amid significant military movements. Russian forces have reportedly advanced in eastern Ukraine, while the West considers bolstering Ukrainian defenses with additional support, including long-range missiles. Moscow has issued repeated warnings to the US and NATO against enabling Ukrainian forces to target deeper within Russian territory. The Kremlin has insisted that crossing this boundary would provoke a significant escalation.
Adding to the tension, NATO has claimed that North Korean forces may be supporting Russia’s western fronts, a development that could shift the dynamics on the ground in Ukraine and potentially bring new players into the fray.
West Fails to Heed Russia’s Warnings, Medvedev Says
Medvedev criticized Western leaders for what he calls a disregard of Moscow’s numerous signals, particularly regarding European security and the conflict’s escalation in Ukraine. According to him, the West’s dismissal of these signals has contributed to the deteriorating situation, where both sides remain on high alert.
US diplomats have similarly acknowledged the severity of the current state of relations, noting that ties with Russia have reached lows reminiscent of the Cold War era. However, they maintain that Washington does not seek to escalate the war in Ukraine further. Still, Medvedev’s remarks point to a significant communication gap and underline the potential risks of a miscalculation by either side.
As international tensions continue to rise, Medvedev’s stark warning serves as a reminder of the delicate nature of nuclear diplomacy and the potential consequences if that balance is disturbed.
Statements from RT News, and official commentary from Russian Security Council officials, as well as information from US diplomatic sources.
