Medvedev shifts stance: Kremlin's nuclear rhetoric softened
The Vice Chairman of Russia's Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, who had previously repeatedly threatened the West with nuclear weapons, has unexpectedly changed his rhetoric. "We would not want something like this to ever happen. There are no madmen in the Russian leadership," he stated.
Many pieces of information provided by Russian media or government representatives are elements of propaganda. Such reports are part of the information war waged by the Russian Federation.
Medvedev emphasised that Moscow views the use of nuclear weapons only as a "last resort" and stated that the threshold for their use has been verified considering "existing risks".
At the same time, he complained about NATO, which - in his opinion - is "fully engaged" in the Ukrainian conflict. "The war can end," stated the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council. "But the Alliance must 'stop inciting' military actions," he added falsely in an interview with Al Arabia television.
Unexpected change in rhetoric
Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Medvedev has become one of the main spokespeople for the Kremlin's aggressive rhetoric, repeatedly threatening the West with nuclear war and the "end of civilisation".
Among the world capitals he threatened with nuclear attack were specifically Washington, Paris, and London. Following the US approval for Ukraine's use of American long-range missiles to attack military targets on Russian territory, Medvedev announced the imminent start of World War III.
However, outside of Russia, his statements are not taken seriously. For example, EU foreign policy representative Peter Stano previously suggested that Medvedev has mental health issues and with his statements "publicly broadcasts his mental health diagnosis" trying to draw attention to himself.
Drunken revelations?
Sources from the Worstki Project in the Kremlin suggest that many of Medvedev's sharp comments on Telegram appear when he is under the influence of alcohol.
Even Russian diplomats distance themselves from the politician's words. Russia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Andrei Kelin, explained in an interview with the BBC that Medvedev's statements do not reflect the Kremlin’s official position. "Medvedev says what he thinks, but he does not speak as an official person," Kelin emphasised.
Russia's new nuclear doctrine
On 19th November, Vladimir Putin approved a new nuclear doctrine for Russia. According to the document, Moscow reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to drone attacks, cruise missile attacks, or in the case of a threat of losing part of its territory.
These changes have sparked reactions in the West. Thomas Buchanan from the US Strategic Command stated that America is prepared for a nuclear exchange. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Policy at the Pentagon, Richard Johnson, added that the United States will continue to enhance and modernise its nuclear potential.
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, commenting on the Russian doctrine, emphasised that Paris is not afraid of Putin's nuclear threats. He noted that the West is already accustomed to this type of Russian blackmail that Moscow has been using for over two years, trying to pressure NATO.
