Former Russian President Medvedev Warns Against Underestimating Russia’s Nuclear Power

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned the West not to underestimate Russia’s willingness to use nuclear weapons in an emergency.

 

The nuclear power could use those weapons if an attack threatens its existence, Medvedev said Tuesday at a weapons factory that produces missiles. “The answer to such actions is the use of nuclear weapons,” said the vice president of Russia’s Security Council as he addressed a forum for Moscow youth and students.

“Our potential opponents should not underestimate that,” Medvedev emphasized explicitly. He was referring to views in the West that Russia is merely threatening, bluffing and not thoughtfully prepared to use nuclear weapons in the confrontation with NATO and the West over Ukraine. Medvedev also outlined for his audience the destructive power of nuclear bombs.

During the Russian offensive war, the ex-president repeatedly made himself noticed with nuclear threats. He reiterated his belief that Russia would win the war and crush Ukraine. He sees the arms industry running at full speed and producing enough tanks, artillery shells and rockets. Medvedev again claimed that Poland, Hungary and Romania wanted to annex parts of their neighbouring Ukraine. However, there is no evidence for that.

The 57-year-old also said Russia is in an undeclared war with the West. Nuclear weapons protect and secure the country against the “partition of Russia intended by the United States”. Medvedev also sees the planet on the brink of World War III. “What will be the last straw, what will be the trigger, I cannot say. But at some point, it can happen,” he said.