Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev recently asserted that Vladimir Putin was close to authorizing the use of nuclear weapons in response to an alleged drone attack on his presidential residence. Medvedev’s statement, made amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, suggests that the incident occurred on December 28-29, 2022. This claim, however, has been met with skepticism from Western intelligence agencies, which concluded that no such attack took place.
According to Medvedev, the West is pushing Russia towards extreme measures, implying foreign involvement in the supposed drone assault. He stated, “These provocations continue… In fact, this could have been grounds for a retaliatory strike, including the use of special weapons.” His remarks were published in the Russian newspaper Kommersant, where he emphasized the dangers of nuclear weapons, indicating that their existence creates both tension and clarity among leaders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vehemently rejected Medvedev’s allegations, calling them “an obviously fake story.” Zelenskyy suggested that such narratives are tactics employed by Russia to justify ongoing attacks on Ukraine, particularly against the capital, Kyiv. Ukrainian forces confirmed a drone strike on a legitimate military target in the Novgorod region, which is located several miles from Putin’s residence.
Criticism of U.S. Nuclear Policy
Medvedev’s comments were not limited to the alleged drone strike. He also criticized the Trump administration for failing to engage with Russian proposals aimed at extending the New START nuclear arms control treaty. The treaty is set to expire on February 5, 2024, which would mark the first time in decades that the United States and Russia would not have binding limits on their strategic nuclear arsenals.
Medvedev, who served as president from 2008 to 2012, claimed that the collapse of arms control agreements is due to American bad faith rather than failures of the treaties themselves. He warned that the world is moving towards an expanded nuclear arms race, highlighting the need for renewed dialogue on nuclear security.
He further stated, “If we don’t hear any specifics from Washington, then we’ll base our decisions on the actual steps taken by the American side. New threats to our security will be promptly and firmly countered.” Medvedev’s remarks included references to advanced Russian nuclear systems, asserting that several countries, including Russia, are developing new powerful weaponry.
As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the implications of these statements remain significant, particularly regarding nuclear armament and international security. Medvedev’s warnings suggest a tense atmosphere, where miscalculations could lead to severe consequences on the global stage.
