Medvedev warns of WWIII in blunt response to Trump's Putin remarks
2 Min Read
While Trump has in the past expressed admiration for Putin and called for swift negotiations to end the war, his recent remarks signal a shift toward a more confrontational stance.
-
Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman and the head of the United Russia party Dmitry Medvedev speaks during a meeting of the United Russia party programme commission in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (Ekaterina Shtukina, Sputnik Pool Photo via AP)
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, issued a chilling response to US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, following Trump's sharp criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin over Moscow's escalating military offensive in Ukraine.
In comments reported earlier this week, Trump condemned Putin for intensifying attacks, particularly following Russia's seizure of several villages in Ukraine's Sumy region.
Trump warned that Putin was "playing with fire" and suggested that "really bad things" could happen to Russia if its aggression continued unchecked, accusing the Russian leader of having gone "absolutely crazy."
The former Russian president responded in kind with a pointed post on X. "Regarding Trump's words about Putin 'playing with fire' and 'really bad things' happening to Russia. I only know of one REALLY BAD thing — WWIII. I hope Trump understands this!" Medvedev wrote.
Regarding Trump's words about Putin "playing with fire" and "really bad things" happening to Russia. I only know of one REALLY BAD thing — WWIII.
— Dmitry Medvedev (@MedvedevRussiaE) May 27, 2025
I hope Trump understands this!
The exchange comes in light of escalating rhetoric between Washington and Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has reached some of its deadliest phases yet.
While Trump has in the past expressed admiration for Putin and called for swift negotiations to end the war, his recent remarks signal a shift toward a more confrontational stance.
Recent reports have indicated that Trump is considering lifting the remaining limits on Ukraine's ability to use American-provided weapons for attacks inside Russian territory, a potential shift that would bring Washington in line with recent steps taken by major European allies.
The Kyiv Post reports that US officials have confirmed the matter is now under active consideration, with a definitive ruling anticipated after upcoming discussions in Washington, DC, between US Secretary Marco Rubio and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, scheduled to take place later this week.
Read more: Putin’s approval rating in Russia rises to 82% in latest poll
On a related note, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed today that a draft peace memorandum aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is currently being prepared.
The document is expected to outline core principles for a ceasefire, include implementation timelines, and set terms for future engagement between Moscow and Kiev.
