Russia’s Medvedev Alleges Brink of Apocalypse Averted by Trump-Putin Talks
The Apocalypse averted, or merely delayed?
Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s deputy chairman of the Security Council, made a bold claim on Thursday, asserting that recent discussions between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin averted a global catastrophe. Medvedev’s statement comes amidst ongoing tensions between the United States and Russia over the conflict in Ukraine.
Russia’s Perspective:
Medvedev’s comments paints a bleak picture of the geopolitical landscape, with the United States portrayed as an arrogant global hegemon waging a "hybrid war" against Russia and threatening to annihilate humanity. He warns that this grave mistake has brought the world to the brink of nuclear disaster.
Medvedev chastises the "so-called deep state" and American elites for their misguided actions, demanding that they recognize Russia’s power and adjust their policies accordingly. He ominously concludes that failure to do so will result in the "Doomsday Clock" ticking closer towards midnight, implying the potential for nuclear escalation.
European Response:
European leaders have expressed concern over the comments made by both Trump and Putin. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized Trump’s suggestion that peace talks with Russia should begin immediately, arguing that it was unwise to concede to Russia’s key demands before negotiations had even begun.
Kallas emphasized the need for the full involvement of both Europe and Ukraine in any peace agreement, warning that "quick fixes are just dirty deals" and that Putin "only responds to strength." She expressed support for Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s invasion.
NATO’s Position:
NATO defense ministers echoed Kallas’ concerns, urging caution in dealing with Russia. Lithuania’s Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene warned against falling into the "deadly trap" of believing that Trump and Putin can resolve the conflict without European and Ukrainian participation.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized that there can be no peace without Ukraine and that negotiations must be led by Ukraine. He stressed the importance of understanding that "there will be no peace without Ukraine."
International Involvement:
Despite the differing perspectives, there seems to be a consensus among European leaders that any peace agreement must involve both the European Union and Ukraine. Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin would welcome international leaders, including Trump, to Moscow in May.
Ukraine’s立场:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to exchange land seized by Ukraine in Russia for land occupied by Russian troops in eastern Ukraine. He also held discussions with Trump following the latter’s call with Putin, expressing hope for a "lasting, reliable peace."
Concerns over American Concessions:
Some critics have expressed concerns that Trump may be willing to pressure Ukraine to make excessive concessions in a peace agreement with Russia. Keir Starmer, the U.K. Prime Minister, emphasized that there cannot be any negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine being at the center of the discussions.
Seven European leaders from the U.K., France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, and the EU issued a joint statement on Wednesday, demanding that they be part of any negotiations on Ukraine’s future. They declared that their shared objectives should be to "put Ukraine in a position of strength" and that "Ukraine and Europe must be part of any negotiations."
Conclusion:
The geopolitical landscape remains fraught with uncertainty as the conflict in Ukraine continues. Medvedev’s dire warnings and the concerns expressed by European leaders highlight the high stakes involved and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions that respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. While the Trump-Putin talks may have raised hopes for a resolution, it remains to be seen whether negotiations can produce a just and sustainable peace.
