Putin's Close Ally Medvedev Mentions Nuclear Again: "Risk of Nuclear Conflict Always Exists"

Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] Dmitry Medvedev, Vice Chairman of the Russian Security Council and considered a close aide to President Vladimir Putin, mentioned nuclear weapons again.

On the 26th (local time), according to the Russian state-run Sputnik news agency, Medvedev, who has served as both Russian president and prime minister, said in an interview with local media that "the risk of nuclear conflict definitely always exists" regarding the possibility of nuclear clashes or war with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Vice Chairman Medvedev stated, "Nuclear war threatens the very existence of humanity and civilization," but added, "Cynically speaking, the development of nuclear weapons has prevented an enormous number of conflicts in the 20th and 21st centuries."

He said that NATO's nuclear weapons are aimed at Russia, while Russia's nuclear weapons target Europe and the United States, emphasizing, "Therefore, it is necessary to pursue responsible policies."

In an interview with Russia's RIA news agency on the same day, Vice Chairman Medvedev also said that if the country's infrastructure is attacked, nuclear deterrence could be paralyzed, and in such a case, Russia has the right to use nuclear weapons.

He stated, "We will show our determination to protect our sovereignty and independence, and demonstrate that we are prepared to make those who infringe upon Russia's independence and sovereignty pay a proper price."

Earlier, on the 23rd, Medvedev also said through his social media that "If pressure on Russia continues, the world could be swept into a nuclear catastrophe."

He criticized Western sanctions against Russia, saying, "The current crisis is more severe than during the Cold War," pointing out that during the Cold War, Russia's adversaries did not push Russia to the brink of explosion, nor did they sanction its industry, agriculture, or individuals.

He also argued that it is foolish to believe that Western sanctions could influence the Russian government, stating, "Sanctions only strengthen Russia and will not cause dissatisfaction among the Russian people toward the Russian government."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.