Top Putin ally Medvedev threatens nuclear strikes as Russia prepares ‘500,000 troops’ for a new attack on Ukraine

A senior Russian official and Putin ally has warned that if Kyiv uses long-range missiles to attack Russia, all of Ukraine “will burn”.

Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, uttered the chilling threat of nuclear “retaliatory strikes” on a Russian military television channel today.

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“In this case, there will be no negotiations, only retaliation,” the Putin ally told Russian journalist Nadana Fridrikhson.

“All of Ukraine that remains under Kiev’s rule will burn… Our response can be anything.”

The top official then specifically referred to Russia’s nuclear doctrine as part of that “everything” response with “all types of weapons.”

His claims follow the Pentagon’s announcement on February 3 that it would release a new $2.175 billion aid package to Kyiv.

In this package, the US promised new, double-range, long-range precision missiles to hit Russia deep behind the front lines.

The greatest weapon in Ukraine’s arsenal was the collective international unit in support of Ukraine

Downing Street spokesman

Medvedev continued his diatribe: “The Russian President has made that very clear. We do not set ourselves any limits and are ready to use all types of weapons depending on the type of threat.

“According to our teaching documents, including the basics of state nuclear deterrence policy.”

The former Russian president’s thinly veiled threat implies the use of nuclear weapons against Ukraine – a warning Putin has relied on throughout the war to stoke fear in the West.

Article 19 of the Russian State Police on nuclear deterrence claims that they may use nuclear weapons “in the event of aggression against Russia with conventional weapons if the existence of the state is threatened.”

Today, Putin continued this tactic at an event commemorating the Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II in Stalingrad.

The brutal warmonger criticized Germany’s decision to send Leopard tanks just as Portugal this week joined Spain and other NATO allies in delivering tanks and other new weapons to Ukraine.

Echoing Medvedev, Putin said Russia has an “answer” to any country that threatens it, adding: “It’s unbelievable but true. We are again being threatened by German Leopard tanks.”

As the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches on February 24, Kyiv fears a new Russian offensive with a newly formed army of mass recruits.

Ukraine’s Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov warned that their assessment of troops at the border suggests the number totals 500,000 preparing for an attack in the east and south.

“We think so in light of that [Russia] lives in the symbolism, they will try to try something around February 24,” he told French media on Thursday.

“We tell our partners that we too must be ready as soon as possible,” said Reznikov.

Medvedev has not been silent. On Friday he wrote on Telegram that the West would watch the “death” of Ukraine as a state. Devastated by war and hunger, he claims Russia will easily turn it into a colony.

“The possibility of a complete bankruptcy of the Ukrainian state and an inevitable end has become more obvious,” he boldly claimed.

His propagandistic tirade lacks any reference to his country’s mistakes on the battlefield.

After eight months of relentless fighting, Russia still does not have control of the iconic eastern city of Bakhmut, which is depriving Putin of a significant military victory he has been desperately seeking since the summer.

The ability of Ukrainian forces to hold, albeit narrowly, what they dubbed ‘Bakhmut Fortress’ has resulted in ‘Bakhmut Holds’ becoming a battle cry resonating across the nation.

Speaking at an EU summit today, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy vowed to defend Bakhmut as he again called for long-range missiles.

“No one will betray Bakhmut. We will fight as long as we can. We regard Bakhmut as our stronghold.”

As winter progresses, Moscow has failed to gain complete control of any of the four regions it allegedly annexed in September.

A shockingly obvious fact that even Putin’s staunch propagandists found hard to deny after the liberation of Kherson in November.

Another hole in Russia’s war machine is the rising death toll, with estimates that the number dead or wounded will soon reach 200,000.

Ukrainian casualty figures are difficult to estimate due to Kiev’s secrecy regarding its war casualties.

In a phone call today with Zelenskyy, Rishi Sunak said he would ensure promised British military aid reaches Ukraine shortly.

Ukrainian troops in Britain are already being trained to use Challenger 2 main battle tanks, of which Britain has supplied a full squadron.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “Both leaders agreed that it is vitally important that international partners speed up their aid to Ukraine, to seize the opportunity to push back Russian forces and to consider how to address the longer term.” Capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces can support forces.

“The greatest weapon in Ukraine’s arsenal was the collective international unit in support of Ukraine,” the leaders agreed.

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