On Sunday, Dmitry Medvedev, a key figure aligned with Russian President Vladimir Putin, declared Moscow’s readiness to launch nuclear strikes against Western capitals if Russia is compelled to relinquish territory in Ukraine. The threat comes amid increasing international pressure on Russia to withdraw from regions it has occupied since the invasion began in February 2022.
“Attempts to return Russia to the borders of 1991 will lead to only one thing: toward a global war with Western countries using the entire strategic arsenal of our state,” Medvedev stated.
Medvedev’s threats identified specific targets in Kyiv, Berlin, London, and Washington, claiming there is a comprehensive attack strategy against NATO allies and the U.S.
Moscow will fire nuclear weapons at Washington and other Western capitals if it is forced to give up the Ukrainian territory it has taken over, Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of Russia's Putin, has warned, according to reports https://t.co/oyySFCP8EM https://t.co/VfGPmF14lc
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) February 19, 2024
Medvedev’s statement, “It’s better to return everything before it’s too late. Or we will return it ourselves with maximum losses for the enemy,” suggests a no-compromise approach and a readiness to escalate the conflict to unprecedented levels.
The backdrop to these threats includes recent setbacks for Ukrainian forces, particularly in the eastern town of Avdiivka, and ongoing debates within the U.S. regarding further support for Ukraine. The situation is further complicated by Medvedev’s previous statements, which paint a scenario of perpetual conflict between Russia and Ukraine, framing the latter as a significant threat to Russian sovereignty.
This unfolding narrative is not just about territorial disputes or regional dominance; it’s about the survival of a nation, as perceived by the Russian leadership. The rhetoric used by Medvedev, referring to the potential disintegration of Russia and the catastrophic consequences thereof, is designed to rally domestic support while sending a chilling message to the international community.
Medvedev’s inflammatory language, referring to Western officials as “snotty Anglo-American fosterlings,” serves to vilify the West and justify Russia’s defensive posture. The personal attacks on British and German defense ministers underscore a broader strategy to undermine Western solidarity and resolve.
As the situation unfolds, the international community must remain vigilant and committed to finding a resolution that avoids further loss of life and the specter of nuclear conflict. The stakes could not be higher, and the need for measured, decisive action has never been more critical.
