Latest news with #DmitryMedvedev
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Russia ready to strike back with nukes if Ukraine uses dirty bomb, threatens former President
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev issued another round of nuclear saber-rattling, warning that any use of a 'dirty bomb' by Ukraine would trigger a 'mirror response', which will involve tactical nuclear weapons from the Russian side. These statement, shared on his Telegram channel, marks Medvedev's latest attempt to raise the stakes as the West remains preoccupied with the escalating Israel-Iran war in the Middle East. In the post, he mocked Washington's shifting focus, suggesting that the US would now be too consumed with defending Israel to sustain its support for Ukraine. Also Read: Bombing Iran might do the opposite of what the west wants, Medvedev warns against forcing Tehran into a corner His commentary came about President Vladimir Putin's earlier comments at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where he stated that if Ukraine were to decide to use a "dirty bomb" against the Russian Federation, it would be the last mistake of the Kiev regime. Live Events In the same tone, Medvedev warned that Russia has "plenty" of such weapons and is well-prepared for proportional retaliation with a clean bomb, referring to a tactical nuclear weapon. "That would be, of course, an extraordinarily dangerous provocation that would demand a proportionate response. With what? A clean bomb—a tactical nuclear weapon?" Medvedev wrote. A dirty bomb, also known as a radiological dispersal device (RDD), is a weapon that combines conventional explosives (such as dynamite) with radioactive material. When detonated, the explosion disperses radioactive material into the surrounding area, contaminating it. The main goals of a dirty bomb are to cause environmental disruption, economic damage, and psychological terror rather than mass casualties from radiation. He dismissed the environmental and humanitarian consequences of such a response, only offering a chilling suggestion to Ukrainian leaders: 'Take a stroll through the Chernobyl exclusion zone or watch the TV series of the same name to get some inspiration.' His comments come amid warnings from Russian officials about Ukraine allegedly preparing radioactive provocations, claims that have not been substantiated by international watchdogs but are now being elevated by top Russian leadership. Earlier this week, the Russian Security Council warned about the "catastrophic consequences" of any Ukrainian use of radiological weapons, referencing intelligence concerns reported by state outlet Izvestia. But Medvedev didn't stop with Ukraine. Turning to the intensifying Israel-Iran war, he described it bluntly as a 'useful distraction' for Russia, while mocking American geopolitical bandwidth. Medvedev cynically welcomed the US pivot, suggesting Trump-aligned Republicans were never keen on backing Ukraine in the first place. Yet, he warned that the Israel-Iran standoff risks spiraling into a global conflict, which US President Donald Trump himself thinks. In a final scathing line, Medvedev ridiculed Europe's moral and political standing, calling its leadership a 'freak show,' and mocking French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. It is hard to decipher whether this is strategic posturing or genuine escalation, but Medvedev's unfiltered words sometimes offer a troubling glimpse into the Kremlin's worldview.
Economic Times
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Russia ready to strike back with nukes if Ukraine uses dirty bomb, threatens former President
Former Russian President Medvedev threatens to use tactical nuke Ukraine if it uses 'Dirty Bomb'. (Photo/X/ Agencies) Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev issued another round of nuclear saber-rattling, warning that any use of a 'dirty bomb' by Ukraine would trigger a 'mirror response', which will involve tactical nuclear weapons from the Russian side. These statement, shared on his Telegram channel, marks Medvedev's latest attempt to raise the stakes as the West remains preoccupied with the escalating Israel-Iran war in the Middle East. In the post, he mocked Washington's shifting focus, suggesting that the US would now be too consumed with defending Israel to sustain its support for Ukraine. Also Read: Bombing Iran might do the opposite of what the west wants, Medvedev warns against forcing Tehran into a cornerHis commentary came about President Vladimir Putin's earlier comments at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where he stated that if Ukraine were to decide to use a "dirty bomb" against the Russian Federation, it would be the last mistake of the Kiev regime. In the same tone, Medvedev warned that Russia has "plenty" of such weapons and is well-prepared for proportional retaliation with a clean bomb, referring to a tactical nuclear weapon. "That would be, of course, an extraordinarily dangerous provocation that would demand a proportionate response. With what? A clean bomb—a tactical nuclear weapon?" Medvedev wrote.A dirty bomb, also known as a radiological dispersal device (RDD), is a weapon that combines conventional explosives (such as dynamite) with radioactive material. When detonated, the explosion disperses radioactive material into the surrounding area, contaminating main goals of a dirty bomb are to cause environmental disruption, economic damage, and psychological terror rather than mass casualties from radiation. He dismissed the environmental and humanitarian consequences of such a response, only offering a chilling suggestion to Ukrainian leaders: 'Take a stroll through the Chernobyl exclusion zone or watch the TV series of the same name to get some inspiration.' His comments come amid warnings from Russian officials about Ukraine allegedly preparing radioactive provocations, claims that have not been substantiated by international watchdogs but are now being elevated by top Russian leadership. Earlier this week, the Russian Security Council warned about the "catastrophic consequences" of any Ukrainian use of radiological weapons, referencing intelligence concerns reported by state outlet Medvedev didn't stop with Ukraine. Turning to the intensifying Israel-Iran war, he described it bluntly as a 'useful distraction' for Russia, while mocking American geopolitical bandwidth. Medvedev cynically welcomed the US pivot, suggesting Trump-aligned Republicans were never keen on backing Ukraine in the first place. Yet, he warned that the Israel-Iran standoff risks spiraling into a global conflict, which US President Donald Trump himself thinks. In a final scathing line, Medvedev ridiculed Europe's moral and political standing, calling its leadership a 'freak show,' and mocking French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der is hard to decipher whether this is strategic posturing or genuine escalation, but Medvedev's unfiltered words sometimes offer a troubling glimpse into the Kremlin's worldview.
Economic Times
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Bombing Iran might do the opposite of what the west wants, Medvedev warns against forcing Tehran into a corner
Reuters Medvedev predicted that any attempt to destroy Iran's nuclear infrastructure, whether by Israel or the United States, could provoke a severe response, and it would prompt Iran to cement its nuclear aspirations. (File Photo) Dmitry Medvedev, the outspoken former President of Russia, has shared a post with a warning over the possibility of military strikes targeting Iran's nuclear program by Israel. In a strongly worded post on X, Medvedev questioned the global double standards on nuclear weapons and cautioned against the consequences of trying to eliminate Iran's nuclear capabilities by force.'Why is it OK for Tel Aviv but not OK for Tehran?' Medvedev asked, suggesting that Israel's undeclared nuclear arsenal remains untouched and never questioned, while Iran is routinely targeted, but it is not known if they have any nuclear weapons. He proposed what was once called the 'zero option', a mutual disarmament of nuclear capabilities under the supervision of the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).'Let them both abandon such programs,' Medvedev wrote. 'They will refuse, of course. And no strikes will help, 100%,' he added, arguing that Iran sees its nuclear program as essential to its survival, which the west thinks is a threat. The former Russian leader, who is also the current Deputy Chair of the Russian Security Council, also suggested that any attempt to destroy Iran's nuclear infrastructure, whether by Israel or the United States, could provoke a severe response. 'If it does have nuclear weapons, [Iran] will definitely use them. And if not, it will rebuild this program at any cost,' he warned. Medvedev's current stance stands in contrast to actions taken during his own presidency (2008–2012), when Russia aligned itself with international efforts to pressure and sanction Iran over its nuclear ambitions. In June 2010, following the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1929, Medvedev signed a decree that banned Iranian investments in Russia's uranium production and nuclear sectors. The measure was part of a package of sanctions intended to push Iran toward compliance with international nuclear also suspended selling S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to Iran as part of that decree. This advanced defense platform had been part of a previous agreement between the two nations. The move was seen as a significant gesture of Russia's support for the UN-led sanctions regime at the time.
Russia Today
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Ex-Russian president issues nuclear warning to Kiev
The use of a dirty bomb by Kiev would trigger a devastating response from Moscow, including tactical nuclear weapons, Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president and deputy head of the country's Security Council, has said. Medvedev issued the warning on Saturday, stating that the 'possible attempts by the enemy to create and use a so-called dirty bomb' would meet a 'proportional' response from Moscow. 'With what? With a clean bomb: Tactical nuclear weapons. We have enough of them,' Medvedev wrote on Telegram. 'I will keep silent about the consequences for future life and the environment. But the sick perverts in Kiev with their twisted imagination should have a good idea of it. Let them take a walk in the Chernobyl exclusion zone and watch those colorful TV series,' he added, apparently referring to the HBO miniseries. The topic of the possible use of a dirty bomb by Ukraine was brought up on Friday during a Q&A session with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Putin said it would be Kiev's 'final mistake' and would have 'catastrophic' consequences for Ukraine. 'Our response will be very harsh and, most likely, catastrophic for both the neo-Nazi regime and, unfortunately, for Ukraine itself. I hope that they will never come to that,' Putin said, adding that Moscow currently has no evidence that Kiev is attempting to create and use a dirty bomb. Over the course of the Ukraine conflict, Medvedev has repeatedly brought up the topic of dirty bombs, saying the Ukrainian authorities might ultimately resort to the use of one. A dirty bomb is a crude device that combines conventional explosives with nuclear material and is intended to heavily pollute and irradiate the target area rather than directly causing destruction through the blast. In February, the former Russian leader suggested that Ukraine could use a dirty bomb, including in a false-flag attack to frame Moscow, in order to derail the negotiation process. Vladimir Zelensky could 'create any provocation to upend a settlement and prolong the war to the last Ukrainian,' Medvedev warned. The Ukrainian leader 'will use any means within his reach, including attacks against his own cities and civilian population or even using weapons of mass destruction such as a dirty bomb,' the former president said at the time.
Russia Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Ex-Russian president warns of new Chernobyl
Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities could result in a nuclear disaster akin to the 1986 Chernobyl meltdown, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned on Thursday. His comments come amid reports that the US is weighing a potential strike on Iran's heavily fortified Fordow nuclear installation, which was built deep into a mountain to withstand airstrikes. The US is reportedly considering the deployment of its GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs to target the site. Israel has no comparable military capability. 'Everyone, even the Israeli defense minister, with his loud declaration about Khamenei's fate, must understand that attacks on nuclear facilities are extremely dangerous and can lead to a repeat of the Chernobyl tragedy,' said Medvedev, who is currently deputy chair of Russia's Security Council, in a social media post. Earlier Thursday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz referred to Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as a 'modern-day Hitler' who 'can no longer be allowed to exist.' The Guardian reported on Thursday that US officials doubt whether the GBU-57s would be effective. According to the report, some officials have said that only a tactical nuclear weapon could damage Fordow — a scenario President Donald Trump is reportedly not considering. The White House has dismissed the claims. Fox News cited an anonymous official who said the US military is 'confident bunker busters can complete the job, and NO OPTIONS have been taken off the table.' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said a final decision on possible US military action would be made within two weeks. Speaking in a Q&A with journalists on Wednesday night Russian President Vladimir Putin said that despite the attacks, Iran's underground infrastructure remained operational. Moscow is calling for deescalation of tensions and has offered itself as a mediator. On Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called reports about possible US use of tactical nuclear weapons 'speculative' and warned that such a move would be 'catastrophic.' Tensions flared last Friday when Israel launched unprovoked airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites and assassinated multiple Iranian nuclear scientists and high-ranking military officers. West Jerusalem claimed the operation was a 'preemptive' effort to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran denies its nuclear program has a military dimension, and the International Atomic Energy Agency has said it has seen no signs of imminent weaponization.
