Ex-Russian President Medvedev Warns of Potential World War

Medvedev's Warning Post-Poland's Statement

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has voiced a stern warning, stating that any US attack on Russian targets in Ukraine would inevitably lead to a world war. Medvedev, who currently holds the position of Deputy Chair of Russia’s Security Council, made these remarks in response to Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski's assertion that Washington had threatened to carry out such an attack if Russia were to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

Medvedev's Response to Sikorski's Claims

Medvedev, in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday, insinuated that Sikorski was attempting to alarm his superiors. He pointed out that Washington, unlike Warsaw, has so far refrained from making any such threats publicly due to their more cautious approach. Medvedev further stated, “Americans hitting our targets means starting a world war, and a Foreign Minister, even of a country like Poland, should understand that.”

Medvedev's Warning to Poland

Medvedev also referred to comments made by Polish President Andrzej Duda last month, where he expressed his country's willingness to host US nuclear weapons under NATO’s sharing mechanism. Medvedev cautioned that in the event of a nuclear confrontation, Warsaw would not be spared, and would inevitably face the fallout of radioactive ash. He questioned whether this was the outcome the Polish leadership truly desired.

Sikorski's Skepticism and Claims

In a recent interview with the Guardian newspaper, Sikorski expressed doubt about a potential Russian nuclear strike in Ukraine. He claimed that the US had warned Russia that any use of nuclear weapons would result in a counter-attack on all Russian targets in Ukraine using conventional weapons. Sikorski described this as a credible threat and alleged that China and India had also cautioned Russia against nuclear escalation.

Sikorski's Suggestions for Ukraine's Western Backers

The minister further suggested that Ukraine's Western allies should permit Kiev to use their weapons to strike military targets on Russian territory. According to Sikorski, the EU should not hesitate to escalate the situation and should not impose self-restrictions regarding the Ukraine conflict, thereby keeping Moscow uncertain about the next move.

Russia's Stance on Nuclear Weapons

Despite several accusations from the US and its allies of nuclear saber-rattling, Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained that Russia has never considered using nuclear weapons during the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which permits the use of weapons of mass destruction only if the country's existence is threatened. He referred to this deterrent as a "farewell weapon."

Putin's Warning and Military Exercise

In his annual address to the Federal Assembly in late February, Putin warned potential aggressors that Russia's nuclear arsenal was in a state of complete readiness for guaranteed deployment. Earlier this month, Putin ordered an exercise in the use of tactical nuclear weapons in the Southern Military District, which borders Ukraine. The Foreign and Defense Ministries stated that these exercises were a warning to the US and its allies, following escalatory rhetoric from the West.

Closing Thoughts

The escalating tensions and threats between these nations are a cause for concern, as the potential for a world war looms. It's crucial for diplomatic dialogues and negotiations to take precedence over military action to ensure global peace and stability. What are your thoughts on these developments? Do you think there's a potential for a peaceful resolution? Share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing at 6pm every day for more updates on this and other important topics.