Dmitry Medvedev, who serves as the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and formerly led the country, stated that the risk of a third world war has remained under control so far. He said Moscow’s military action in Ukraine was undertaken with that intent in mind.
In an interview with the French channel LCI, he answered in the negative to whether humanity has slipped into a new global conflict.
He added that while the situation is not ideal, it has not escalated uncontrollably. He invoked a biblical analogy from the Revelation of John, describing the opening of the first seal and a chorus of disastrous omens, while emphasizing that the apocalypse has not yet arrived and it is hoped it will not arrive.
Medvedev argued that Moscow’s policy and the ongoing operation aim to prevent a third world war and to safeguard Russia’s interests.
He noted that the military action reflects threats to Russia’s vital interests and would not have been pursued if those threats did not exist. He also said that negotiations with Ukraine, Europe, and the United States had failed to yield results, and that Moscow was compelled to escalate the situation as a matter of necessity.
According to Medvedev, if the Ukrainian leadership had shown more courage and acknowledged the realities on the ground, if it had not pursued eight years of persecution in Donetsk and Lugansk, many lives could have been spared. He pointed to Kyiv’s goals to join NATO and to statements about rebuilding nuclear capabilities as factors shaping the current posture.
Gentle Military Operation Scenario
Medvedev described Russia as conducting a military operation that follows a frugal and restrained plan in Ukraine. He said Russian forces, along with representatives from the Donetsk and Lugansk republics, are acting strictly against Ukrainian military targets.
A faster, more aggressive approach could have produced harsher consequences for Ukraine, including potential widespread destruction of infrastructure and governance centers, he warned. Moscow reportedly avoided that option on humanitarian grounds.
How Medvedev Became a Hawk
During the interview, the journalist asked how Medvedev developed into one of Russia’s leading hawkish voices. He replied that his attitude has shifted as Western actors started following a course he views as Russophobic. He acknowledged the rhetoric change and explained that it reflects what he sees in Western policy, not a personal rebirth.
Following the start of the operation in Ukraine, Medvedev has posted sharply-worded statements on Telegram directed at Western politicians and at Kyiv. He also said he personally manages the Telegram channel and that the style of posts clearly signals his direct involvement. He believes messages should be intelligible and direct for readers.
On Trusting Zelensky
Medvedev argued that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky does not inspire confidence as a negotiator for Russia, though he remains in his role as head of state and commander in chief, chosen by Ukrainian voters. When asked about a potential order to kill Zelensky, Medvedev dismissed the notion as unfounded fiction. He stressed that Russian officials base their views of Zelensky on his real actions rather than appearances or media portrayals.
The deputy chairman described Zelensky as someone who assumed office without executive government experience and became famous for his role in a political drama. He criticized Kyiv for resisting normal negotiations with Moscow and relying on Western support. He suggested that ending hostilities would require clear goals for the operation and guarantees that all parties would accept in an eventual agreement.
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Medvedev also said that Ukraine’s refusal to join NATO is not a sufficient condition for peace. He stated that end-of-conflict goals should include the objectives of the Russian operation and guarantees reached through multilateral negotiation that all parties can accept, ensuring a durable peace.
Will Russia Use Nuclear Weapons?
The journalist pressed the deputy chairman about whether Russian doctrine allows the use of tactical nuclear weapons if a threat arises. Medvedev indicated that Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons only in four extreme scenarios: launches against Russia, nuclear retaliation, strikes on nuclear command structures, or other actions that threaten the state’s existence. He emphasized that no such action has occurred to date and highlighted Russia’s long-standing nuclear capabilities and strategic forces.
Medvedev concluded by expressing confidence that Russia can defend its interests and sovereignty in the face of current tensions.
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