Russia Issues 'Nuclear Threat' Statement Amid Support Moves for Ukraine

Former Russian President Raises Possibility of Nuclear War

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Pyeonghwa] Another nuclear threat statement has emerged from Russia after about a month. As major world powers announced support for the Ukrainian military, a former Russian president issued a warning response.

On the 19th (local time), Reuters reported that Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, mentioned nuclear war on a mobile messenger app. Medvedev served as Russia's president from 2008 to 2012 and is also a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On Telegram, Deputy Chairman Medvedev said, "If a nuclear-armed country loses a conventional war, it could trigger a nuclear war." He also added, "Nuclear-armed countries have never lost a major conflict that determined the fate of the nation."

On the 7th (local time), children are climbing on a destroyed Russian tank in front of St. Michael's Monastery in Kyiv, Ukraine. [Image source=Yonhap News]

This is an example of a warning message issued as major world leaders united in support of Ukraine. Earlier, at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (WEF, Davos Forum) held in Switzerland, leaders from various countries resolved to strengthen support for the Ukrainian military fighting against Russia.

This is the first nuclear threat statement from a prominent Russian figure in about a month. Previously, President Putin mentioned the possibility of a preemptive nuclear strike in December last year, after a military airfield near Ukraine's eastern border was attacked.

Russia states that Deputy Chairman Medvedev's remarks align with the nuclear doctrine (national policy principles) pursued by the country. They also reiterated the demand that Ukraine must accept Russia's conditions. Dmitry Peskov, Russian spokesperson, emphasized, "Russia will achieve its goals by any means."