Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has issued a somber warning to Donald Trump that there could be a World War III in retaliation for the U.S. President's charge that Vladimir Putin is "playing with fire" by refusing to hold peace talks with Ukraine.
Medvedev, in a sharp tweet aimed at Trump—who has often presented himself as a supporter of international peace—took to Twitter and responded, "On Trump's words regarding Putin 'playing with fire' and 'really bad things' occurring to Russia. I know of only ONE REALLY BAD thing - WWIII. Let the hope be that Trump gets that!"
This new verbal confrontation between the leaders of two centuries-old geopolitical enemies comes in the wake of Trump's growing irritation with Russia's continued military aggression in Ukraine, in defiance of his renewed calls for a ceasefire.
TRUMP ONCE AGAIN CRITICIZES PUTIN
In his latest outbursts, Trump indicted the Russian President of playing dangerous games, adding that terrible consequences were only averted by virtue of his own clout.
"What Vladimir Putin doesn't understand is that if it weren't for me, a lot of very bad things would have already occurred to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He's playing with fire!" Trump posted on his social media site, Truth Social, on Tuesday.
While Trump did not specify the nature of these "really bad" consequences, the remarks followed shortly after he had called Putin "absolutely crazy" in response to a drone attack on Kyiv that resulted in 13 deaths over the weekend. Russian forces took control of part of Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region on the same day.
"I have always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!" Trump asserted on Sunday.
These biting critiques mark a notable shift in Trump’s tone toward Putin, suggesting a hardening of the former's stance as tensions escalate.
At the same time, Ukraine, with support from its European allies and the United States, continues to insist on a quick and unconditional 30-day ceasefire. The Kremlin has not yet reacted positively, however, keeping Washington and Kyiv in a state of lingering uncertainty.
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