Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev echoed nuclear threats made by the country’s leader, Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. Medvedev, one of Russia’s current Security Council chairmen, took to Telegram to criticize US President Joe Biden along with other NATO aligned nations.
Medvedev stated the threats are not bluffs and that NATO wouldn’t join the conflict even if “Russia is forced to use the most fearsome weapon against the Ukrainian regime.” Liz Truss, UK’s Prime Minister, was also called out by Medvedev in his Telegram posts, stating she would “begin an exchange of nuclear strikes with [Russia].”
The reaction from NATO over these threats is condemnation, but they seek no confrontation with the Kremlin. The group of nations would take a defensive stance rather than match Russia’s aggression. If the nation were to use nuclear or chemical weapons, this would be considered a war crime.
The White House released a statement saying if Russia followed through with these threats, they will meet “catastrophic consequences.” Jake Sullivan, the national security advisor for the White House, said in an interview with “Face the Nation” that “The US and our allies will respond decisively, and we have been clear and specific about what that will entail.”
Ben Wallace, the UK defense secretary, issued a statement through the Ministry of Defense saying that “no amount of threats and propaganda can hide the fact that Ukraine is winning this war.” Wallace continued with “[Putin] and his Defense Minister have sent tens of thousands of their own citizens to their deaths, ill equipped and badly led. No amount of threats and propaganda can hide the fact that Ukraine is winning this war…”
These threats come after a large loss for the Kremlin motherland. Ukraine reported in early September that the nation took back upwards of 2,300 sq mi of land, despite Ukraine having a third of the military personnel of Russia.
There is no sign to when this conflict will end, even after seven months of fighting. Since the deployment of 100,000 troops by Russia to Ukrainian territory, nearly 6,000 Russian fighters and 4,600 Ukrainian troops have died.
Alex Ross
Alex Rossis a third-year Communication student at Lock Haven with a focus in Journalism. This is his second year as an active member of the Eagle Eye and has been the Arts and Entertainment editor, News editor, and an active writer. He focuses on writing reviews for the A&E section, but has written stories for news, sports, and opinions. Outside of the newsroom, Alex enjoys record shopping, reading classic literature, and analyzing films. Alex hopes to work for a film or music news site as a writer or editor after graduation.
