Vladimir Putin’s right hand man has issued a chilling nuclear warning to NATO over one ‘fatal mistake’.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia, emphasised the severe consequences of Western intervention in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Medvedev’s statements come amidst heightened tensions and increased Western support for Ukraine.
“All Western military equipment and specialists fighting against Russia will be destroyed not only in Ukraine, but also in other countries if they are launched from there onto Russian territory,” Medvedev declared. This bold assertion highlights Russia’s readiness to target any Western involvement perceived as a direct threat to its territory.
Medvedev further cautioned that individual assistance from NATO countries, whether in the form of missile control or troop deployment, would significantly escalate the situation. “Individual assistance from NATO countries against Russia, be it controlling missiles or sending troops, would be a serious escalation,” he noted, “followed by a response of such force that the alliance itself would not be able to resist being drawn into the conflict.”
In a chilling statement, Medvedev stressed the potential for a miscalculation by the West regarding Russia’s restraint in using tactical nuclear weapons. “This would be a fatal mistake,” he warned, suggesting that such a misjudgment could have catastrophic consequences.
This warning coincides with a recent announcement from the German government regarding Ukraine’s use of weapons provided by Western allies. Germany has affirmed Ukraine’s right to use these weapons against attacks originating from Russian positions just over the border. The German government stated, “Together with its closest allies and in consultation with Ukraine, it is continually adapting its support to developments in the war.”
The statement emphasised Ukraine’s right to self-defence under international law, particularly against Russian attacks on the Kharkiv region.
“For this, it can also use the weapons delivered for that purpose in accordance with its international legal commitments, including the ones delivered by us,” the German government added.
Similarly, US President Joe Biden has given Kyiv the go-ahead to use American-supplied weapons against Russian military assets targeting Kharkiv.
A Washington official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that US-supplied weapons could be used for “counter-fire purposes in the Kharkiv region so Ukraine can hit back against Russian forces that are attacking them or preparing to attack them.”
However, the US maintains its policy restricting Ukraine from using American-provided ATACMS or other long-range missiles to strike offensively inside Russia.
The limitation has been a point of contention for Ukrainian officials, who face challenges in countering Russian troops and missile bases just across the border from Kharkiv, only 20 kilometres (12 miles) away.
The escalating rhetoric and military support underscore the fragile and volatile nature of the conflict, raising concerns about the potential for a broader confrontation involving NATO and Russia.
