That would be Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, and Putin’s tough-talking, threat-issuing, ultra-hawkish proponent of the war in Ukraine . . . and, apparently, World War III.

Donald Trump’s magnanimous extension of a 50-day period for Moscow to respond to a demand for a ceasefire or face further sanctions has been brushed off by the Kremlin as a mere nuisance. But taken more seriously is Washington’s simultaneous decision to expedite further shipments of missiles and other weaponry to Ukraine.

Ignoring the facts as usual, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing in Moscow:

“It is obvious that the Kyiv regime consistently perceives such decisions by the collective West as a signal to continue the slaughter and abandon the peace process. . . . The language of ultimatums, blackmail, and threats is unacceptable to us. We will take all necessary steps to ensure the security and protect the interests of our country.” [Guy Faulconbridge, Andrew Osborn and Dmitry Antonov, Reuters, July 17, 2025.]

Someone might want to remind Zakharova just who invaded whom on February 24, 2022, and who is being slaughtered by whom . . . but that might be inconvenient.

Apparently, however, Zakharova’s comments weren’t forceful enough for Dmitry Medvedev. While assuring the West that Russia had no plans to attack NATO or Europe, Medvedev said on Thursday that — if it believed the West was escalating what he described as its full-scale war against Russia — “We need to act accordingly. To respond in full. And if necessary, launch preemptive strikes.” [Id.]

If they believe the West is escalating . . . respond in full . . . preemptive strikes: That is the stuff of nuclear nightmares.

How much of what Medvedev says is a reflection of the actual amount of weight he carries in the Kremlin, and how much is bluff and bluster, we can’t be sure. We can only hope and pray that he’s not the guy with his finger on the button.

As if we didn’t have enough to worry about.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
7/19/25