Russian official Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, has derided former US President Donald Trump as the ‘star-spangled uncle’ and cautioned that the potential deployment of Tomahawk missiles could have negative repercussions, particularly for Trump himself.
In response to Trump’s warning that the US could supply long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if Russia does not resolve the conflict there promptly, Medvedev issued a strong statement on Telegram. He emphasized the risks associated with such actions, stressing that distinguishing between nuclear and conventional Tomahawks in flight is a challenging task.
While there is no indication that the Tomahawks provided to Ukraine would be nuclear-capable, Moscow continues to assert this possibility. Medvedev insinuated that the US would be directly involved in the launch and targeting process, implying Trump’s responsibility in the decision-making.
Medvedev dismissed Trump’s threats as empty rhetoric following discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Mocking the situation, Medvedev referenced Trump’s previous warnings about escalating tensions with Russia, likening it to a submarine surfacing in Ukraine’s steppes.
Trump had previously cautioned Medvedev, labeling him as a “failed former president of Russia” and warning him to choose his words carefully to avoid provoking a potential conflict with the US.
The recent exchange between Medvedev and Trump stemmed from the latter’s comments regarding the potential use of Tomahawk missiles during a press briefing on Air Force One en route to Israel. Trump highlighted the strategic capabilities of the Tomahawk missiles, emphasizing their range and potential impact on major Russian cities and strategic sites.
Expressing his concerns, Trump hinted at potential discussions with Russian authorities about the deployment of Tomahawks, stressing the need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict. He underscored the offensive nature of the weapon and suggested that Russia should consider settling the conflict to avoid further escalation.
Overall, the exchange between Medvedev and Trump reflects escalating tensions and strategic maneuvering between the US and Russia, particularly concerning the potential deployment of advanced weaponry in the region.
