In a statement issued on Thursday, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and former president, called on Russians to mobilize and inflict “maximum harm” on Western societies and infrastructure in response to increasing sanctions imposed on Moscow by the United States and its allies. Medvedev, known for his hardline views, emphasized the need for both the authorities and the general population to push back against what he sees as a “war” declared on Russia by the West. He urged Russians to harm the economies, institutions, and leaders of countries that have imposed sanctions, as well as to undermine the well-being and confidence of their citizens.
Medvedev’s rhetoric underscores the Kremlin’s aggressive stance towards the West as tensions escalate due to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. While some view Medvedev as a scaremonger with limited influence, his statements provide insight into the prevailing thinking among high-ranking Russian officials. He outlined a strategy to identify vulnerabilities in Western economies and target key sectors such as energy, industry, transport, banking, and social services. Western officials have raised concerns about suspected Russian sabotage activities, including arson, prompting calls for restrictions on Russian diplomats’ movements.
The Kremlin, considering retaliatory measures against the United States, has rejected sabotage allegations as false. Medvedev, who once portrayed himself as a liberal figure but now aligns with the Kremlin’s hawkish stance, called for an escalation of the information war against the West. He proposed creating an environment where the distinction between fiction and reality is blurred, aiming to unsettle and disorient Western societies. As new U.S. sanctions disrupt trading on Russia’s leading exchange and curtail access to foreign currency pricing, Medvedev emphasized the importance of weaponizing space and supporting the enemies of Western powers.
Alongside these developments, the Group of Seven leaders convened for their annual summit in Italy, discussing plans to provide $50 billion in loans for Ukraine using interest from frozen Russian sovereign assets. This financial assistance aims to strengthen Ukraine’s position in the conflict with Russia and conveys unity among Western powers in response to Moscow’s actions. Medvedev’s call for intensified efforts to harm Western interests highlights the deepening rift between Russia and the West and the growing determination on both sides to assert their respective interests. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation as both Russia and the West pursue their strategies in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
