Kathrine Frich
The chill between the two Cold War-era rivals is far from over.
Donald Trump once claimed he could end the war in Ukraine within a single day.
He even held a high-profile summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska in an effort to reset relations. But months later, signs of renewed tension are emerging.
Stark warning
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said the risk of nuclear catastrophe remains real, according to TASS.
Speaking at an educational forum, the former Russian president argued that such a scenario should not be dismissed.
“I am often reproached for using tough rhetoric and speaking of a nuclear apocalypse. Unfortunately, it is really possible. Those who don’t realize it are either dreamers or fools. However, we would like to avoid it.”
He added that current global tensions resemble periods leading up to past world wars.
Europe targeted
Medvedev sharply criticized European leadership, accusing it of damaging decades of political progress.
“They are just idiots who are destroying what has been done in the decades since the European Coal and Steel Community turned into the present-day European Union.”
He also claimed that European countries are promoting the idea of an inevitable conflict with Russia.
“I don’t know where it came from but this is a real mantra as they repeat it every day: ‘Russians will definitely attack us’.”
Conflict framing
The Russian official described the broader confrontation with the West as fundamental.
“Our current conflict with the Western world is an existential one, that is, it’s a matter of existence. Unfortunately, I have no illusions at this point as to what will come next.”
He further accused Western nations of direct involvement in the war in Ukraine.
“The Banderite Ukraine is not our only adversary. It’s also dozens of Western countries that are taking a direct part in the war against our country.”
US relations
Medvedev said the United States remains Russia’s primary geopolitical rival.
“America is our main geopolitical rival.”
At the same time, he questioned Washington’s ability to act as a neutral mediator in global conflicts.
“A country that steals presidents and starts conflicts cannot act as an effective mediator in all situations.”
The Russian official also pointed to instability in the Middle East and broader geopolitical strains.
“Local conflicts often precede global confrontation, unfortunately.”
He argued that ongoing disputes could escalate further, warning that multiple actors have an interest in prolonging conflicts.
Sources: TASS
