Medvedev warns Putin may resort to nuclear force if Ukraine war stalls
Speaking to Vedomosti, Dmitry Medvedev asserted that Moscow’s nuclear doctrine permits strikes if the war in Ukraine does not end on Russia’s terms. He described Western leaders as ignorant and warned that a broader conflict could wipe out much of humanity. The remarks followed Ukrainian drone attacks on Sochi, where several of Putin’s inner circle, including Alina Kabaeva, were present, and on other Russian sites such as Makhachkala and Novy Urengoy. Medvedev said any aggression against Russia or its ally Belarus by a non-nuclear state backed by a nuclear power would be treated as a joint attack, potentially prompting a nuclear response. The final decision, he noted, rests with President Vladimir Putin.
Dmitry Medvedev, former president and Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, told Vedomosti that Moscow is prepared to deploy nuclear weapons to secure a victory in Ukraine on its own terms, warning that such a move could cause billions of deaths. He condemned Western officials as possessing a "Neanderthal mindset" and claimed recent Ukrainian drone strikes on Sochi, Makhachkala and the Siberian city of Novy Urengoy demonstrate acts capable of sparking a third world war.
Medvedev emphasized that Russia’s nuclear doctrine allows use of atomic arms when the state’s security is threatened, especially if a non-nuclear state backed by a nuclear power attacks Russia or Belarus. He stressed that any nuclear launch would be a decision for President Vladimir Putin. The Sochi attack injured eight people, including several members of Putin’s close circle such as Alina Kabaeva.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking from Canada, accused Russia of ongoing terror against Ukraine. Medvedev’s statements aim to pressure the West into taking Russia’s nuclear warnings seriously.
How this story developed
- Aug 30 Germany prepares coordinated response to suspected drone strike on Ukrainian cargo plane
- Sep 1 Germany formally attributes the Leipzig airport drone incident to Russia.
- Sep 2 Germany scheduled the Russian consulate in Bonn to close on Sept 18.
- Sep 2 Three explosive‑laden drones were found near Leipzig/Halle Airport, one near a Ukrainian cargo plane.
- Sep 2 EU announced additional sanctions targeting another 1,600 entities and discussed stricter visa rules for Russian tourists.
- Sep 4 Poland’s foreign ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in response to the Leipzig drone incident.
- Sep 6 The United Kingdom summoned the Russian charge d'affaires to condemn the Leipzig drone incident.
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