The Russian Security Council’s deputy chairman and former president, Dmitry Medvedev, has issued a warning about the potential for a nuclear war if Ukraine’s counteroffensive, backed by NATO, manages to succeed against Russia. On social media, he stated that in such a scenario, there would be no other option but to resort to the use of nuclear weapons. Medvedev emphasized the need for their enemies to hope for the success of their warriors to prevent a global nuclear catastrophe.
The significance of this story lies in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, driven by territorial disputes and the desire to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. Recently, Ukraine carried out drone attacks on Moscow, leading to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s declaration that war is returning to Russia.
Medvedev’s stance is of particular importance due to his role as reportedly Russian President Vladimir Putin’s top aide and one of the most assertive voices in Russia. He referred to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which allows the use of nuclear weapons in response to any aggression threatening the country’s existence.
The territorial conflict involves Ukraine’s efforts to reclaim regions that Russia annexed, including Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia provinces. Notably, the Donetsk and Luhansk regions declared independence from Ukraine in 2014, but their sovereignty was not recognized by any country.
Medvedev’s threats extended beyond military responses. He also warned the International Criminal Court (ICC) of missile attacks after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Putin for alleged war crimes, specifically the deportation of children from Ukraine’s occupied areas to Russia. Medvedev’s history of making hyperbolic statements adds to the tension surrounding the situation.
It’s worth noting that Dmitry Medvedev was Russia’s third president, succeeding Putin in 2008 and serving until 2012, after which Putin returned to power and has remained in the top post since. Additionally, Putin chairs the Security Council, further underlining his influence and authority in Russia’s decision-making process.