(Reuters) – Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy secretary of Russia’s powerful Security Council chaired by President Vladimir Putin, has expressed concerns about the increase in military assistance to Ukraine by the NATO alliance. In a statement released on Tuesday, Medvedev stated that this move brings the world closer to the brink of World War Three.
Medvedev’s comments came in response to the first day of the summit of the U.S.-led alliance in Lithuania, where several countries pledged additional weaponry and financial support to Ukraine. Despite this aid, Medvedev emphasized that Russia would remain steadfast in achieving its goals in Ukraine.
Using the Telegram messaging app, Medvedev wrote, “The completely crazy West could not come up with anything else… In fact, it’s a dead end. World War Three is getting closer.” He also stated, “What does all this mean for us? Everything is obvious. The special military operation will continue with the same goals.”
Russia refers to its actions in Ukraine as a “special military operation,” while Kyiv and its allies view it as an unprovoked war aimed at territorial expansion and dominance. The West, on the other hand, asserts its intention to assist Ukraine in winning the war and has already provided significant amounts of modern arms and ammunition to Kyiv.
Medvedev, who previously presented himself as a liberal modernizer during his presidency from 2008 to 2012, now positions himself as a fiercely anti-Western Kremlin hawk. Diplomats believe that his views provide insight into the thinking of the top levels of the Kremlin elite.
Furthermore, Medvedev expressed his support on Tuesday for the use of cluster munitions, describing them as an “inhuman weapon.” He cited reports of Ukraine already utilizing such weapons. It is worth noting that cluster munitions are prohibited by many countries, but the United States recently announced its decision to supply Ukraine with these weapons. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that Moscow would be compelled to employ “similar” weapons if the U.S. proceeded with providing cluster bombs to Ukraine.
Both Russia and Ukraine have previously accused each other of using cluster munitions during the 500-day war. The situation remains highly contentious and volatile.
(Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
