Kremlin's potential instigation of a third global conflict cautioned by Putin.
United States President Donald Trump has intensified his criticisms of Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, "What Vladimir Putin fails to comprehend is that, without me, numerous harsh consequences would already have ensued for Russia - consequences of a truly grim nature." This comment was made on Trump's online platform, Truth Social. He added, "He's playing with fire."
In response to Trump's remarks, Russia's former president, Dmitri Medvedev, starkly countered with a threat of his own. Writing on the platform X, Medvedev, who remains a significant influence in Russia as the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, warned, "I hope Trump realizes that the only truly terrible thing that could happen is World War III." Medvedev, known for his sharp threats, has frequently taken center stage since the war's onset, including discussions about the use of nuclear weapons.
Trump had previously criticized Putin over the weekend, citing continued Russian bombardment of neighboring countries using massive drone attacks. He expressed, "He's utterly lost his mind! He's unnecessarily causing the deaths of countless people. Rockets and drones are raining down on cities in Ukraine for no discernible reason." Trump also threatened fresh sanctions against Russia at a press conference.
Since his inauguration in January, Trump has positioned himself as a mediator for a peaceful resolution. Yet, he has also distanced himself from former President Joe Biden's supportive stance towards Ukraine.
The Kremlin dismissed Trump's criticism of Putin as an emotional overreaction by the US president. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov stated at the start of the conversation process in Moscow, "This is an emotional overload at the outset of negotiations."
In the broader context, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a significant point of contention between the US and Russia, with NATO still grappling with its strategic approach towards Russia. The deep divisions between the US and its European allies persist over how best to address Russia's actions in Ukraine. Despite speculation that Trump may eventually advocate for a harder US line if frustrated by Russian actions, the current trajectory suggests a limited consensus and potential minimal public statement on Russia at upcoming NATO summits.
The US may maintain or even strengthen its military deterrence posture, further straining US-Russia relations while potentially undermining Ukrainian security interests. The Kremlin, aiming for re-engagement with the US to balance its growing economic and strategic ties with China, navigates between preserving strong relations with China and seeking leverage by engaging with the US. Russia's responses to Trump's policies and rhetoric reflect this calculated balancing act.
Other general-news publications have reported increased political tensions between the United States and Russia, with war-and-conflicts in Ukraine remaining a significant point of contention. In response to Trump's inflammatory remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia's former president, Dmitri Medvedev, warned of the potential for World War III on the platform X.
