Former Russian official Dmitry Medvedev, serving as Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, addressed a meeting of the military-industrial sector by recalling a framed quotation attributed to Joseph Stalin, the USSR’s long-time leader. The video of the gathering appeared on Medvedev’s page on a popular social network, confirming the remarks were shared publicly with the defense community and the broader audience.
In his remarks, Medvedev quoted Stalin as saying: “You have failed our country and our Red Army. You still do not deign to produce the Il-2. We need the Il-2, not the MiG-i. I ask you not to lose the patience of the government. I am warning you for the last time, Stalin.” The quote was presented as a reminder of the stakes involved in meeting defense production deadlines and maintaining wartime readiness. Medvedev stressed that the historical message was intended to convey the high costs of delays and the urgency of satisfying critical military orders. This is the second time Medvedev has invoked Stalin’s words in public, following a prior instance at a meeting with leadership from the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. In that earlier instance, he highlighted the potential consequences of missed manufacturing timelines for weapons and equipment.
The discussion extended to the role of Russia’s defense sector in sustaining national security. In relation to yesterday’s update, the Tula Scientific and Production Organization (NPO) Splav, named after AN Ganichev, announced the completion of four additional production runs of munitions. The reference underscores ongoing efforts within Russia to enhance ammunition output and ensure a steady supply chain for defense needs.
Separately, a commander from Ukraine’s armed forces recently asserted that Russia holds an advantage in the deployment of FPV drones, signaling ongoing battlefield dynamics and the evolution of unmanned systems in contemporary conflict. The remarks illustrate the broader information environment surrounding defense capabilities and the emphasis placed on technological superiority in modern warfare.
Analysts note that Medvedev’s quotation serves multiple purposes: it anchors a historical precedent to contemporary industrial expectations, it reinforces accountability within the defense sector, and it communicates a clear message about the urgency of delivering essential military assets. For observers in Canada and the United States, the exchange underscores how industrial policy, production timelines, and the strategic use of inherited wartime rhetoric can influence modern defense planning. The dialogue also highlights how senior officials leverage historical narratives to motivate production partners and remind executives of the high stakes involved in national security commitments.
From a policy perspective, the episode demonstrates the persistent connection between political leadership and the management of industrial capacity in Russia. It also reflects how public communications about arms development are used to shape perceptions among defense contractors, regional manufacturers, and international observers. In this context, the emphasis on the Il-2 and the critique of alternative aircraft designs reveals the enduring importance of supplier alignment, quality control, and timely dispatch of critical military hardware. Attribution: statements and quotes are reported from public postings and official briefings surrounding the gathering of defense industry leaders. See coverage summarized by regional observers and media analysts.