A close associate of Vladimir Putin taunted Donald Trump, labeling him as the ‘star-spangled uncle’ and cautioning that the deployment of Tomahawk missiles could have serious repercussions, particularly for Trump himself.
In response to the US president’s warning to Russia regarding potential provision of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, Dmitry Medvedev, a key figure in Putin’s circle, issued a stark message indicating that the consequences of such actions could be dire for all involved, especially for Trump.
Medvedev, serving as Putin’s deputy on the Russian security council, conveyed through Telegram that it has been repeatedly emphasized, even in terms understandable to the American ‘star-spangled uncle’, that differentiating between nuclear and conventional Tomahawks in flight is impossible.
While there is no indication that any Tomahawks supplied to Ukraine would be nuclear-equipped, Moscow persistently asserts this claim. Medvedev insinuated that the launch would not originate from Kyiv but rather from the US, implying American involvement in targeting and launching procedures, thus pointing the finger at Trump for the decision-making process.
Expressing skepticism towards Trump’s threat of Tomahawk deployment, Medvedev likened it to an empty rhetoric following discussions with Volodymyr Zelensky, sarcastically referencing past instances like sending nuclear submarines closer to Russia.
Trump, in a previous exchange, had cautioned Medvedev, whom he referred to as a “failed former president of Russia,” to be cautious with his words after Medvedev’s prior warning about the potential for a full-scale conflict with Russia. Trump highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating that Medvedev is approaching dangerous territory.
Medvedev’s recent comments were a direct response to Trump’s remarks on Tomahawk missiles during a press briefing on Air Force One en route to Israel. The Tomahawks, with a range of 1,500 miles, could target major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, along with other strategic locations in western Russia.
Trump hinted at possible discussions with Russia regarding the Tomahawk issue, questioning whether Russia would want such missiles directed towards them. He emphasized the offensive capabilities of Tomahawks and suggested that Russia should reconsider its stance to avoid potential escalations in the ongoing conflict.
This exchange of statements between the US and Russia underscores the escalating tensions and strategic posturing between the two nations amidst the Ukraine crisis.