Zelensky and Medvedev threaten to bomb each other – Google Search google.com/search?q=Zelensky…
Reports of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev threatening to bomb each other reflect recent escalations and exchanges of rhetoric related to the ongoing war. Medvedev’s threats, often nuclear in nature, are a recurring theme, while Zelenskyy’s recent remarks were a pointed response to Russian attacks. [1, 2]
Zelenskyy warns Russia to find bomb shelters • During a September 25, 2025, interview with Axios, Zelenskyy addressed Russian officials directly, telling them they would “need” to know where their nearest bomb shelter is if Russia does not stop the war.
• He made this statement after receiving backing from U.S. President Donald Trump for Ukraine to use more long-range American weapons to strike Russian military and energy targets.
• Zelenskyy clarified that while Ukraine has drones capable of striking deep into Russia, more advanced weapons would help accelerate an end to the war. [1, 2, 3, 4]Medvedev issues a nuclear warning in response • In response to Zelenskyy’s comments, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, issued a nuclear warning directed at the U.S. and Ukraine.
• In a post on X, Medvedev stated that Russia could use weapons that a bomb shelter would not protect against.
• This is part of a pattern of hawkish and aggressive rhetoric from Medvedev, who often issues threats against Ukraine and Western countries. These statements are considered by some analysts to be a calculated part of the Kremlin’s messaging to influence policy and delay peace talks. [1, 5, 6, 7, 8]Context of ongoing and repeated threats • Medvedev’s frequent threats: Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Medvedev has repeatedly raised the prospect of nuclear strikes against Ukraine and Western capitals if Russia were to face a significant defeat. Western analysts often view his more extreme rhetoric as intended to intimidate and deter support for Ukraine.
• Strategic messaging: Medvedev’s pronouncements are often viewed by Kremlin critics as the actions of an “irresponsible loose cannon”. However, Western diplomats say his statements offer insight into high-level thinking within the Kremlin, suggesting they are part of a wider strategic effort.
• Escalation following the Kremlin drone attack: After a drone attack on the Kremlin in May 2023, Medvedev accused Kyiv of a “terrorist attack” and publicly called for the “physical elimination” of Zelenskyy. [6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13]AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] newsweek.com/putin-medvedev-…
[2] fakti.bg/en/world/1002715-ze…
[3] newsweek.com/putin-medvedev-…
[4] meduza.io/en/news/2025/07/17…
[5] cnn.com/2025/08/02/europe/me…
[6] understandingwar.org/researc…
[7] businessinsider.com/dmitry-m…
[8] rferl.org/a/medvedev-money-f…
[9] kyivindependent.com/russias-…
[10] nbcnews.com/world/russia/rus…
[11] reuters.com/world/europe/rus…
[12] reuters.com/world/europe/med…
[13] newsweek.com/russia-kremlin-…
–— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 25, 2025
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