In a recent development, Dmitry Medvedev, the former Prime Minister of Russia and a close confidant of President Vladimir Putin, has claimed that the world was on the brink of a nuclear war with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) during President Joe Biden's tenure.
This assertion comes amidst the escalating tensions between NATO and Russia due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. NATO leaders have been increasingly vocal about the realistic threat of a direct conflict with Moscow. This concern has been fueled by Putin and other high-ranking Russian officials' repeated threats of nuclear escalation against Kyiv and its Western allies since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
According to Newsweek, the current situation is particularly alarming as Russia and the United States collectively possess approximately 90 percent of the world's nuclear arsenal, encompassing both strategic and non-strategic, or tactical, nuclear weapons. The incoming President-elect Donald Trump, who has been critical of the billions of dollars spent by the Biden administration in supporting Ukraine, has claimed that he could end the war between Ukraine and Russia "within 24 hours" if he were at the negotiating table with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This statement has raised concerns about Trump potentially pressuring Zelensky to cede the territory currently occupied by Russia.
In a recent post on Telegram, Medvedev, who also serves as the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council and is a former Russian president, criticized Biden's handling of the conflict. He warned that the war with NATO almost commenced under Biden's watch. Medvedev wrote, "What did catch my attention was his unhealthy interest in Ukraine, even though he explained it to me by acting on [former President Barack] Obama's instructions. Over time, those instructions turned into an obsession the transformation facilitated by political mistakes, plain corruption, and poor judgement stemming from historical ignorance and failure to appreciate the nature of 'Ukraineness.' At some point, the old man went off the rails and essentially unleashed a war between the collective West and Russia, which almost led to a nuclear exchange with NATO."
Medvedev further added, "He's been clearly out of it lately. While it's true that this war benefits the US economically, political costs and the real danger of a fatal conflict are far more important. It is something the old dude was not prepared for. This is a case where the head of a major world power lost control of the situation completely, resulting in a crushing electoral defeat for the Democrats."
These remarks from Medvedev follow the U.S.'s decision to provide an additional $500 million in weapons to Ukraine, sourced from existing U.S. stockpiles. The military aid, authorized under presidential drawdown authority, allows for the expedited transfer of munitions and equipment from U.S. stockpiles to Ukraine. A senior defense official stated earlier this month that the objective was to deliver these munitions to Ukraine before the end of the month, ensuring that Ukraine remains in a strong position as the administration transitions.
The Biden administration had announced a $1.25 billion aid package just days earlier, as part of a broader effort to maximize Ukraine's military support during the final stretch of Biden's term. Officials estimate that 80 to 90 percent of promised equipment has already been delivered, signaling the administration's urgency to solidify its legacy of support for Ukraine.
Medvedev's warnings of a nuclear response during the war are not new. He has previously made headlines for his regular social media rants, which have included calls for nuclear strikes on NATO members and suggestions that Moscow has no choice but to eliminate Zelensky.
President Joe Biden stated earlier this month, "As I committed earlier this year, the Department of Defense has now allocated all remaining USAI funds appropriated by Congress in the supplemental that I signed in April, and my Administration is fully utilizing the funding appropriated by Congress to support the drawdown of U.S. equipment for Ukraine."
Karoline Leavitt, the Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman, stated earlier this month, "President Trump has repeatedly stated that a top priority in his second term will be to quickly negotiate a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war. Also, President Trump believes European nations should meet their NATO defense spending obligations and step up their share of the burden for this conflict, as the U.S. has paid significantly more, which is not fair to our taxpayers. He will do what is necessary to restore peace and rebuild American strength and deterrence on the world stage."
In December, Russia's defense minister Andrei Belousov warned of a direct conflict between Moscow and NATO within the next decade, stating that "[Preparing for war] has been shown by the decisions made at NATO summit held in July of this year." He added that Moscow "must be prepared for any development, including a possible military conflict with NATO in Europe in the next decade."
In response to Belousov's comments, the Pentagon stated in December that "the United States condemns irresponsible, escalatory rhetoric." Javan Rasnake, a U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson, stated in December that "the United States and NATO do not seek a military conflict with Russia."
While it remains uncertain what actions Trump will take regarding aid to Ukraine once he assumes office, Biden continues to push for the shipment of weapons to Ukraine. This is amidst concerns that the incoming administration may halt military hardware deliveries to the country. This situation underscores the complex dynamics of international relations and the precarious balance of power that exists in the current geopolitical landscape.
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