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Germany arresting Putin equals to declaring war on Russia: Medvedev

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
23 Mar 2023 09:48

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman says the West would like to destabilize the political situation in Russia.

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev (TASS)

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev pointed out that if Germany decides to implement the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin, it will be equal to declaring war on Russia.

Earlier, German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann confirmed that the warrant for Putin's arrest would be valid in Germany after a request from the ICC. The order was also supported by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who, during his visit to Japan, said that "no one is above the law."

"Some idiots, halfwits like the German justice minister, say, 'Well, if he comes, we'll arrest him.' Does he understand what that means?" Medvedev said in an interview with major Russian media.

He continued, "Let's imagine... the incumbent head of a nuclear state arrives on the territory of, say, Germany and is arrested. What is this? A declaration of war on the Russian Federation."

The Russian official warned that in such a situation, Russia would use its available means to target "the Bundestag, the chancellor's office, and so on."

On March 17, the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Putin and the Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, citing "unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation."

However, the Kremlin noted that Russia is not a party to the ICC and the court's decision is legally null and void for the country.

Russia-West relations now at all-time low

In a related context, Medvedev said the relations between Russia and the West are at an all-time low.

"We already have very bad relations with the Western world. Well, they have probably never been worse in history," he considered.

However, the Russian official pointed out that although there are currently no illusions that the relationship will soon be normal again, communication with the West will be restored at some point.

Medvedev indicated that he dislikes the incumbent Western leaders, adding that in certain situations, it makes no sense to negotiate with other countries.

"In certain situations, it is pointless to try to agree. It is necessary to ignore, and in some cases make decisions like the one that was made on February 24 last year. Because agreements are counterproductive in some cases," he said.

He also noted a decline in EU leaders' competence.

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman said the West would like to destabilize the political situation in Russia.

"They do not want to see the Russian Federation itself, they don't need us. And this is their geopolitical, geostrategic idea of very old times. Why do they need such a country, which has a huge territory and the most serious nuclear shield, and which does not even obey the Americans?" Medvedev said.

He continued, "Therefore, the desire is very simple: to destabilize the political situation, to divide the country into parts, such large ones, to negotiate with each of these parts, to denuclearize and demilitarize each part, and then come and offer their services, saying: 'Guys, now you need someone to protect you, don't you?'"

Medvedev added that the West does not like the independence of Russia and China.

Russia-China relations at all-time high

Touching on his country's relationship with China, the top official highlighted that Russia-China relations are at an all-time high, adding that he does not see any problems in bilateral ties any time soon.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was in Russia on March 20-22 on a state visit, which became his first trip abroad after being re-elected to the post of head of state for a third term.

On Monday, the Chinese leader had an informal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and on Tuesday, talks were held with the participation of delegations.

During the visit, a joint statement was signed on a plan to develop the key areas of Russian-Chinese economic cooperation until 2030.

Xi's visit "showed... a new level of relations, or strategic partnership and interaction between Russia and China at a new stage," Medvedev, who had taken part in the Russian-Chinese talks in Moscow, pointed out.

He noted that China has become economy number one in the world and even the United States recognizes this, adding that he believes Russia-China trade will reach $300 billion in 2023-2024.

Medvedev said the West does not need an equal partnership with either Russia or China but wants to dominate.

West will try to interfere in 2024 Russian presidential elections

According to Medvedev, the West will try to interfere in the presidential elections in Russia in 2024.

"There is no doubt that they will interfere, like they have always interfered," he told reporters in response to a relevant question.

Ukraine part of Russia: Medvedev

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman said Ukraine is part of Russia, but due to geopolitical reasons and history, Russia has for a long time put up with the fact that the countries live "in different apartments."

"We are forced to take this into account, these fictitious borders, territories that have always been part of... the Russian Empire, it was all the Russian Empire... except for certain areas that came to us as a result of the Second World War," Medvedev explained.

He noted that "these territories were also originally inhabited by the Russian population and have always been part of Russia in the narrow sense of the word."

The top Russian official indicated that if Ukraine joined NATO, Russia would have a neighbor who plans to produce nuclear weapons and is part of an unfriendly bloc.

He added that Kiev could then launch a full-scale operation against Russia to take control of Crimea and that Moscow could not accept this.

China's peace plan must be studied in Washington and Kiev

Touching on China's plan for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, he said its implementation requires a desire, adding that it needs to be studied not only in Moscow but also in Washington and Kiev, which is currently not happening

In February, China proposed a 12-point peace plan, including calls for a ceasefire, respect for the legitimate security interests of all countries, and settlement of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, many points of the Chinese peace plan can be taken as the basis for a settlement when the West and Kiev are ready for it.

Europe lost much more than Russia

Elsewhere, Medvedev noted that the trade turnover between Russia and the European Union seriously shrunk due to the bloc's decisions, but Europe lost much more than Russia did.

"Just recently, our trade turnover with the European Union was 400 [billion US dollars], now it has shrunken very much because they made stupid decisions," he said.

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