Moscow: Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has issued a stern warning to former US President Donald Trump, cautioning that escalating rhetoric over the Ukraine conflict risks igniting World War III. This development follows Trump's recent assertion that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "playing with fire" amid ongoing missile and drone attacks in Ukraine.
Trump indicated he would "absolutely" consider imposing new sanctions on Moscow in response to the intensifying conflict, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties. Medvedev responded via social media, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He stated, "Regarding Trump's words about Putin 'playing with fire' and 'really bad things' happening to Russia, I only know of one REALLY BAD thing — WWIII. I hope Trump understands this!"
Medvedev, who led Russia from 2008 to 2012 and served as Prime Minister until 2020, underscored the potential catastrophic consequences of escalating tensions between the United States and Russia.
Trump's frustration appeared to intensify after a recent drone barrage by Russian forces killed at least 13 people in Ukraine. He claimed that the conflict was initially something he could have resolved swiftly. In a firm statement, Trump warned Putin that he was risking serious consequences, remarking, "What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He's playing with fire!"
While Trump did not detail the nature of the consequences, media outlets including The Wall Street Journal and CNN reported that he is actively considering fresh sanctions on Russia, possibly as early as this week.
Meanwhile, Moscow has not publicly responded to Trump's remarks but continues to place responsibility for stalled peace negotiations on Ukraine. Russian officials accuse Kyiv of escalating attacks on Russian civilians and attempting to undermine diplomatic efforts. Recent reports indicate that Russian defenses intercepted nearly 150 Ukrainian drones, including 33 targeting Moscow itself.
The conflict in Ukraine, ongoing since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, remains one of the most volatile and closely watched international crises, with global powers monitoring developments for potential wider ramifications.