Kathrine Frich
Donald Trump once claimed he could end the war in Ukraine within a single day.
That pledge seems almost laughable as the conflict drags on.
Now, a senior Russian official is questioning whether Washington can play any meaningful role in brokering peace at all.
Sharp criticism
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said the United States cannot be seen as a reliable mediator in global conflicts, according to Reuters cited by Digi24.
Speaking at an education forum on Thursday, the former Russian president argued that Washington’s past actions undermine its credibility in such roles.
“It is hard to believe that a country that kidnaps presidents and easily triggers conflicts can act as an effective mediator in all situations,” Medvedev said.
His remarks appear to contrast with the Kremlin’s broader stance, which has previously acknowledged a role for the US in efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Conflicting views
Medvedev pointed to recent US actions to support his argument, including a military operation ordered by President Donald Trump in January targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
He also referenced tensions involving Iran, presenting them as examples of Washington’s involvement in international disputes.
At the same time, Medvedev noted that Trump’s administration is attempting to pursue a resolution in Ukraine, drawing a distinction with policies under former President Joe Biden.
Reuters describes Medvedev as one of the most outspoken figures in Russia’s leadership, known for frequent and often confrontational statements on global affairs.
Military focus
During the same event, Medvedev warned that Europe is undergoing rapid militarization, comparing the situation to the period before World War II.
He added that Russia has significantly increased recruitment, saying 450,000 people signed contracts to join the armed forces in 2025, with another 127,000 enlisted so far this year.
Following a controversial mobilization campaign in 2022, Moscow has relied more heavily on attracting professional soldiers with financial incentives.
Sources: Reuters, BBC, Mediazona, Digi24
