MOSCOW, Russia: Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned that Ukraine’s accession to NATO would be seen as a declaration of war against Moscow, and only the alliance’s prudence could prevent a global catastrophe. The leaders of NATO recently pledged their support for Ukraine’s “irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration,” including NATO membership, but did not specify a timeline for this process.
Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and a prominent hawkish voice in the Kremlin, emphasized that Ukraine joining NATO would pose a direct and severe threat to Russia’s security. He stated that such an act would be tantamount to a delayed declaration of war. Medvedev criticized NATO’s expansion efforts, suggesting that these actions bring the alliance to a critical juncture, and warned of increasingly severe Russian responses to further NATO advancements.
He also highlighted that the stability of the planet hinges on NATO’s prudence, suggesting that reckless actions could lead to catastrophic outcomes. Medvedev has shifted from his previous stance as a pro-Western modernizer during his presidency from 2008 to 2012 to a staunch critic, often warning of dire consequences, including a potential “nuclear apocalypse” due to the West’s support of Kyiv.
Medvedev downplayed the impact of Mark Rutte’s appointment as NATO head, asserting that the United States ultimately controls the alliance’s key decisions. He reiterated the Kremlin’s long-standing view that NATO’s post-World War II expansion into Eastern Europe is perceived as an aggressive move against Russia.
