In a strongly worded statement, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has expressed concerns over what he perceives as Europe’s efforts to intensify the ongoing Ukraine conflict following the re-election of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Medvedev, who now holds a prominent position in Russia’s security apparatus, took to Telegram on November 12 to accuse European leaders of pushing the war towards a dangerous and irreversible escalation.
Medvedev’s comments were sparked by growing tensions surrounding the use of Western military support to Ukraine, particularly in relation to long-range missiles. He argued that European leaders are encouraging Ukraine to use these advanced weapons against targets inside Russian territory, a development that he claims would significantly heighten the conflict and put Europe itself at greater risk.
According to Medvedev, European politicians are seemingly desperate to fuel the conflict as much as possible while they have the opportunity. He stated that their actions, especially those involving the provision of weapons capable of striking deep within Russian borders, could have disastrous consequences. Medvedev cautioned that the drive to escalate the conflict is not only dangerous but also a calculated effort to move it into a point of no return.
In particular, Medvedev took aim at comments made by Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s opposition party and a potential candidate for the position of Chancellor. Merz had previously spoken in favor of providing Ukraine with more advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles, which Medvedev dismissed as nothing more than politically motivated “electioneering.” He contended that such ultimatums would not significantly alter the trajectory of the conflict and would only serve to provoke further hostilities.
Medvedev’s remarks also touched on the broader European response to the conflict. He pointed out that leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have continued to pledge unwavering support for Ukraine, even as the conflict drags on. During a meeting in Paris, Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to helping Kyiv, while Starmer reiterated the United Kingdom’s stance. Meanwhile, France’s foreign minister also emphasized the importance of waiting to see how Trump will handle the situation before making any premature judgments about his approach to the war.
Despite these declarations of support, Medvedev expressed his surprise at the determination of European politicians to extend the war’s reach beyond Ukraine’s borders. “It is astonishing to what lengths European politicians are willing to go to drag this conflict onto their soil,” he remarked, suggesting that the European leadership may be more eager to escalate tensions than to seek peaceful resolutions.
The former Russian president has previously indicated that a Trump victory would not bode well for Ukraine. Medvedev argued that Trump’s stance on the war might be far less favorable to Kyiv than the policies of the current administration. As a former Republican president, Trump has long been critical of the extensive military aid that Western nations, particularly the U.S., have provided to Ukraine. He has repeatedly expressed a desire to bring the war to an end quickly, though his exact plans for achieving peace remain unclear.
Medvedev’s warning that Europe’s involvement could worsen the situation reflects a broader Russian concern about the growing Western military footprint in Ukraine. The Kremlin has long viewed the conflict as a proxy war between Russia and the West, with both sides increasingly entangled in a war of attrition.
Meanwhile, Russia has continued to downplay any claims of back-channel discussions between Trump and President Vladimir Putin. On November 11, the Kremlin dismissed reports suggesting that Trump had spoken to Putin recently, calling the speculation “pure fiction.” The Russian government has consistently portrayed Trump’s potential return to the White House as an opportunity to reset relations with the U.S., which have been strained since the war in Ukraine began.
In sum, Medvedev’s comments reflect a growing frustration in Moscow regarding the course of the conflict and the international dynamics surrounding it. As the war enters its second year, Russia remains concerned about the escalating involvement of Western powers, particularly Europe. The ongoing military support for Ukraine and the rhetoric from European leaders continue to fuel fears that the war could spiral out of control, with catastrophic consequences for Europe and the broader international community.
The situation remains fluid, and much hinges on how global powers, including the U.S. under Trump, choose to engage with the crisis in the coming months. While the path forward remains uncertain, the stakes could not be higher for both Europe and Russia, as they navigate this high-stakes geopolitical confrontation.