Medvedev Warns of Preemptive Strikes Amid Ukraine War

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, warned that Russia should be prepared to launch preemptive strikes against the West if the Ukraine conflict escalates further, while reiterating Moscow has no intention of attacking NATO or Europe without provocation. Medvedev accused the West of waging a full-scale proxy war against Russia through sanctions and military support for Ukraine. He called Western claims that Russia might attack NATO 'complete nonsense,' saying such rhetoric aims to destabilize the situation. The remarks follow U.S. President Donald Trump's ultimatum for a Ukraine peace deal within 50 days and threats of secondary sanctions on Russian exports. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Medvedev's comments represent his own opinion but reflect legitimate concerns about Europe's confrontational posture. Medvedev's increasingly hawkish statements are viewed by diplomats as indicative of attitudes among some in Russia's political elite.