Medvedev Warns Trump amid Rising Tensions over Ukraine Conflict

A top Russian official, Dmitry Medvedev, has sharply criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump, warning of the potential for a third world war after Trump accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of “playing with fire” for refusing to participate in ceasefire talks with Ukraine.

Trump, through a post on his platform Truth Social, claimed that disastrous events in Russia had been averted thanks to his past leadership. “What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realise is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened in Russia,” Trump wrote.

Medvedev, currently deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and a close ally of Putin, responded on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “The only REALLY BAD thing is World War III. I hope Trump understands this!”

U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg condemned Medvedev’s comment, calling it irresponsible and inappropriate for a global power.

Medvedev, who served as Russian president from 2008 to 2012, is known for his provocative rhetoric and has consistently threatened the use of nuclear weapons during the ongoing war in Ukraine. Putin echoed similar warnings in his March 2024 national address, emphasizing the risk of global nuclear conflict if Western nations intervene directly in Ukraine.

Trump’s recent online criticisms also included labeling Putin as “absolutely CRAZY” due to intensified airstrikes against Ukraine, despite repeated international pleas for a ceasefire. He hinted at the possibility of new sanctions against Russia, citing frustrations with stalled peace negotiations.

Meanwhile, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. On Tuesday, Russian forces captured four villages Novenke, Basivka, Veselivka, and Zhuravka in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region. While residents had already been evacuated, the territorial losses mark a significant blow for Ukraine.

Russia’s Defence Ministry also reported the seizure of Bilovody, another village near the border, as it pushes deeper into Ukrainian-held territory. Ukrainian authorities acknowledged that Russian troops are increasing their incursions into Sumy, often using motorcycles and drones for mobility and support.

Previously, Ukrainian forces had used Sumy as a base to launch operations into Russia’s Kursk region, briefly gaining territory before being pushed back last month.