Moscow: Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev issued a stark warning to the United States on Saturday, urging it to heed Moscow’s nuclear warnings to prevent a potential World War III, according to Reuters. Medvedev, now serving as the deputy chairman of Russia’s security council, emphasized in an interview with RT that U.S. officials are underestimating Russia’s resolve, suggesting they mistakenly believe Russia would refrain from crossing a critical threshold.
“They are wrong,” Medvedev asserted, contending that the current U.S. and European leadership lacks the strategic insight and foresight once embodied by figures like the late Henry Kissinger.
Medvedev reiterated that if Russia’s statehood were at stake, as repeatedly stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin and other top officials, Moscow would be left with “no choice” but to respond decisively. His comments reflect Moscow’s heightened stance as the 2.5-year-old conflict in Ukraine approaches what Russian officials describe as a highly perilous phase, with Russian forces advancing in eastern Ukraine amid Western support for Kyiv.
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In recent weeks, Russia has been signaling that it would respond if the U.S. and its allies supply Ukraine with longer-range missiles capable of reaching Russian territory. Meanwhile, NATO has reported the alleged deployment of North Korean troops to assist Russian forces in western Russia.
Russian authorities argue that Western leaders have ignored Moscow’s security warnings about Europe and the escalation risks posed by prolonged involvement in Ukraine. U.S. officials acknowledge that relations with Russia are at a historic low not seen since the Cold War but maintain that Washington does not intend to escalate the conflict further.
