Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev issued a chilling warning on Monday, threatening nuclear strikes against Western leaders considering sending troops to Ukraine. In a fiery social media post, he condemned what he called the “irresponsible” calls from Western elites to deploy troops to Ukraine, singling out politicians from the US, UK, France, the Baltics, and Poland.
Medvedev asserted that any NATO troop deployment would amount to a declaration of war, prompting Russia to respond beyond Ukraine’s borders. He ominously warned that Western leaders would have nowhere to hide from the consequences, highlighting locations like Capitol Hill, the Elysee Palace, and Downing Street.
The former president cited recent drills involving nonstrategic nuclear weapons as a direct response to perceived threats from the West. These weapons, different from the strategic ones usually associated with intercontinental ballistic missiles, have smaller yields but can still cause significant damage.
Medvedev’s rhetoric aligns with Russia’s broader strategy of using nuclear threats to deter Western intervention in support of Ukraine. Despite Western skepticism about the seriousness of these threats, Russia has continued its aggressive posture, conducting military drills and issuing warnings.
Meanwhile, NATO has been providing substantial support to Ukraine, including significant amounts of weaponry and aid. The US recently approved a substantial aid package, underlining the importance of bolstering Ukraine’s defenses against Russian aggression.
Medvedev’s belligerent stance has been consistent since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with frequent calls for extreme measures against perceived Western provocations. His rhetoric often targets specific Western leaders, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, whom he insults on social media in multiple languages.
Some experts believe that Medvedev’s aggressive rhetoric may be an attempt to curry favor with Russian President Vladimir Putin. As the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, Medvedev’s statements carry weight within the Russian government and reflect broader Kremlin policies.
Overall, Medvedev’s threats underscore the dangerous escalation of tensions between Russia and the West over the Ukraine crisis, with the specter of nuclear conflict looming ever closer.
