Medvedev "Sarcastically" Comments on Trump's Nuclear Statements

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, sarcastically commented on US President Donald Trump's statements regarding Washington's intention to conduct nuclear weapons tests, warning that the consequences of such words are "inevitable."

Medvedev's Comment and Russian Reaction

• Sarcasm and Warning: Medvedev wrote in an X post on Wednesday: "Nobody knows what Trump meant when he spoke about nuclear tests... maybe he doesn't even know himself." However, the former Russian President added: "But he is the President of the United States, and the consequences of such words are inevitable."

• The Inevitable Response: Medvedev asserted that Trump's statements about nuclear weapons "will force Russia to assess the appropriateness of conducting a comprehensive nuclear test itself."

• Putin's Order: Medvedev's comment came after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that Moscow might resume nuclear testing if Washington did so, and ordered the "collection of information and submission of proposals for starting preparations" for potential nuclear weapons tests.

Ambiguity in Trump's Position

• First Stance (Escalation): Last week, Trump stated he had directed the Department of War to begin testing nuclear weapons "on a par" with Russia and China.

• Second Stance (Disarmament): Trump later softened his position, suggesting he might work with China and Russia on a "nuclear disarmament plan" among the three nations.

• US Nuclear Power: Trump noted that the US is the number one nuclear power, followed by Russia, with China significantly behind, but warned that China would catch up within four or five years.

International Context

• Testing Halt: No country, except North Korea, has conducted an atomic weapons test involving a nuclear explosion in the 21st century.