Medvedev, the ex-Russian president known for his provocative actions, has heightened nuclear tension with Trump
During his political career, Dmitry Medvedev has maintained a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, serving as both President and Prime Minister.
Born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Medvedev and Putin's political careers have been intertwined since the early 1990s when they both worked under Mayor Anatoly Sobchak. Putin took Medvedev under his wing after becoming acting president in 1999, with Medvedev holding key posts during Putin’s first two presidential terms.
In 2000, Putin appointed Medvedev as head of the presidential administration, and later, in 2005, he was appointed as vice-prime minister. Medvedev played a significant role in Putin's election campaign in 2000.
The 2008–2012 period saw a unique arrangement as Putin, constitutionally barred from a third consecutive presidential term, supported Medvedev's presidency, while Putin became prime minister. This arrangement led to perceptions that Putin retained real power behind the scenes. After Medvedev’s presidency, they essentially swapped roles, with Putin returning as president in 2012 and Medvedev serving as prime minister.
During his tenure as prime minister, Medvedev faced political challenges such as protests over a proposed pension reform in 2018. He also played a public role in suggesting reforms on issues such as emergency responses after the Siberia wildfires.
Medvedev's relationship with Putin has been marked by mutual support, collaboration, and a complex dynamic. However, in recent years, Medvedev has made provocative statements towards the United States, criticising the US President, Donald Trump, and making threats of a destructive nuclear war with the West.
Trump has responded to Medvedev's statements, calling him "a little old man" who "still thinks he rules Russia". Despite Medvedev's messages having limited impact, his direct attacks on Trump have irritated the US President, who has harshly criticised him.
Since resigning as prime minister in 2020, Medvedev has held the post of Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia, a position Putin assigned to him after Medvedev's government resigned to facilitate constitutional changes enhancing Putin's power. This position has given Medvedev a less visible but influential role within Putin's leadership.
References: [1] BBC News. (2020, January 16). Dmitry Medvedev resigns as Russian PM. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51076340
[2] The Guardian. (2012, May 7). Dmitry Medvedev: Putin's 'puppet' or Russia's reformer? https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/may/07/dmitry-medvedev-putins-puppet-or-reformer
[3] The New York Times. (2008, March 2). Dmitry Medvedev, Putin's Choice, Wins Russian Presidency. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/world/europe/02russia.html
- Dmitry Medvedev's role during Putin's first two presidential terms included key posts and significant support in election campaigns, indicating a strong overlap between their political careers.
- Despite a history of mutual support and collaboration with Putin, Medvedev's recent provocative statements towards the United States have drawn attention for their threatening tone regarding nuclear war and general news headlines.
