MOSCOW – Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned Tuesday that European leaders are attempting to escalate the Ukraine conflict after former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent election victory. Medvedev, now a senior security official, alleged that Europe is pushing the conflict “into an irreversible phase” while it still has influence, as reported in a post on Telegram.
Medvedev’s remarks centered on European support for Kyiv, particularly regarding the provision of Western long-range missiles. He accused European leaders of election-driven rhetoric, particularly German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, who has expressed strong backing for Ukraine. Medvedev characterized Merz’s comments as “electioneering in nature” and downplayed the strategic impact of long-range missiles on Russia.
Despite Trump’s return to the political stage, European leaders remain committed to supporting Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed their support in talks held in Paris on Monday. French officials also advised allies not to speculate on Trump’s future handling of the Ukraine issue, which Trump has said he would address quickly, though without specifics.
Medvedev noted the risks associated with European involvement in the conflict, stating, “It is surprising to what extent the current generation of European politicians wants to drag the war into their territory.” On Monday, the Kremlin dismissed rumors of recent conversations between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as “pure fiction.”