Medvedev warns of World War III risk amid Trump’s critique
Former Russian President and Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev, responded to President Donald Trump's remarks that "Putin is playing with fire." In a post on platform X, he referenced World War III.
"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 wrote on platform X.
These remarks are a response to an earlier post by the U.S. president on the platform Truth Social. "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!" Trump wrote on Tuesday.
This was yet another critical statement by Trump concerning Putin. The comments relate to Russia's intensified air attacks on Ukraine.
On Sunday, following Russia's attack on Ukraine with nearly 300 drones, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the Russian leader has "completely lost his mind."
Will there be new sanctions on Russia?
Last week, the American press reported growing pressure in Congress on Trump to impose new sanctions on Russia. The bill proposing restrictions on the Russian banking and energy sectors, as well as introducing 500% tariffs on goods from countries buying resources from Russia, has already been signed by 81 out of 100 senators. According to Punchbowl News, Republican senators believe that Vladimir Putin is "outmanoeuvring" the president and pretending willingness to negotiate.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured last week that the Trump administration would support this bill if no progress is made in peace negotiations. He emphasised that Trump has so far refrained from threatening sanctions to avoid discouraging Russia from further talks.
According to CNN and "The Wall Street Journal," Donald Trump may announce new sanctions on Russia as early as this week.
