Moscow: Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev issued a chilling warning on Monday, threatening nuclear strikes on Western capitals if NATO were to deploy troops to Ukraine. In a fiery social media post, Medvedev denounced Western leaders advocating for troop deployment to Ukraine as “irresponsible bastards”.
“In that case, none of them will be able to hide either on Capitol Hill, or in the Elysee Palace, or in Downing Street, 10. It will be a global catastrophe,” Medvedev stated unequivocally.
Medvedev’s statement comes amidst escalating tensions between Russia and NATO, particularly regarding the possibility of Western military intervention in Ukraine. He underscored that any NATO troop deployment would be considered a direct act of war, prompting Russia to respond beyond Ukraine’s borders.
The former Russian president referenced Russia’s recent drills involving the use of “nonstrategic nuclear weapons”, highlighting Moscow’s readiness to escalate if necessary. These drills, announced by Russia on Monday, are portrayed as a response to perceived threats from the West.
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While strategic nuclear weapons are typically launched via intercontinental ballistic missiles, the nonstrategic variant, as mentioned by Medvedev, can have smaller yields but remain devastating. They can be delivered through various means, including shorter-range missiles or unconventional methods like trucks.
This isn’t the first time Russia has employed nuclear threats as a diplomatic tool. Moscow has repeatedly warned of the potential use of nonstrategic nuclear weapons if its red lines are crossed, aiming to deter Western interference in Ukraine’s conflict.
Western leaders have often dismissed such threats as bluffing tactics, interpreting them as attempts to intimidate Ukraine’s allies. Despite the rhetoric, NATO has continued to support Ukraine with significant military aid, including a recent $61 billion package approved by the US.
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Medvedev’s rhetoric has grown increasingly bellicose since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He advocates for extreme measures, such as placing bounties on NATO soldiers sent to Ukraine, and even suggested a hypersonic missile strike on the Hague after it issued an arrest warrant for Putin.
While NATO maintains it has no plans to deploy troops to Ukraine, some allied leaders, like French President Emmanuel Macron, haven’t ruled out the possibility. Macron’s openness to such a scenario often draws direct rebuke from Medvedev on social media platforms.
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Observers speculate that Medvedev’s aggressive stance aligns with a desire to curry favor with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Edward Lucas, a senior advisor at the Center for European Policy Analysis, likened Medvedev’s role to that of a subordinate in a mafia hierarchy, tasked with executing orders to appease the leader.
Currently serving as the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, Medvedev’s combative rhetoric underscores the heightened tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
