Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, questioned German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius about the acceptability of limited Ukrainian strikes inside Russia.
“Remember that statement? Limited attacks are an acceptable tactic”, she noted. “Boris, do not forget your own words.”
She added that the German Ministry of Defense has yet to determine who carried out the SP-1/2 Nord Stream attacks. She asked whether Germany might also view the destruction of a major energy infrastructure project as a permissible form of limited retaliation and requested clear answers in a Telegram channel post.
What did Pistorius say?
On April 20, the German defense minister described it as absolutely normal for Ukrainian forces to operate on Russian soil if such actions aim to sever Russian supply routes and affect soldiers and civilians alike.
He referenced his previous stance on the inadmissibility of hostilities on Russian territory and explained that in military conflicts it is common for the attacked side to push into enemy lines to cut off supplies, so long as civilian areas and towns are not targeted.
Regarding arms procurement, Pistorius emphasized the need to consider how the conflict is waged when providing military aid to Kyiv. He warned that if Ukraine asks for weapons that are broadly banned, those requests should be refused.
Kremlin threatens in Berlin
A German newspaper reported that Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev reacted by accusing Pistorius of running amok on Twitter. The piece claims his target is Berlin and describes the Kremlin as threatening all of Germany.
The report quotes Medvedev’s post suggesting that a German official who attacks Russia should be ready for a parade in Berlin. It notes that Medvedev has long been viewed as a symbol of liberal reform in Russia, a status the article argues has faded in recent years.
Medvedev again threatens Germany
The article recalls Medvedev speaking about the bombing of Berlin in March 2023, reportedly referencing possible legal risk after an ICC action. Medvedev argued that a nuclear state leader could be arrested on German soil, and suggested that all Russian weapons would target key German institutions should he visit the country.
Medvedev also described Germanys justice minister as “stupid” after he stated that the FRG would comply with the ICC order and arrest Putin if he set foot on German territory.