Medvedev on "Nuclear Strike": The Doomsday Clock Has Reached the Countdown Stage
On September 10, Russian newspaper Kommersant published an exclusive interview with Dmitry Medvedev, Vice Chairman of Russia's Security Council, titled "Either Become a Great Power or Be Nothing." Below is the full text concerning Medvedev's stance on the use of nuclear weapons:
Reporter:
You have repeatedly stated that nuclear weapons can be deployed. Doesn't such rhetoric undermine the credibility of nuclear deterrence in the eyes of the West and expand the "Overton Window" for Western policy? What private feedback have your allies given you, and what has their reaction been?
Medvedev:
This is not a veiled threat! Everyone must understand clearly: nuclear weapons can be used under specific circumstances. This is not mere rhetoric or intimidation—it is reality. Russia’s official nuclear doctrine explicitly states that the country has the right to use nuclear weapons when its national sovereignty and security are threatened. It would be difficult to characterize this as anything other than a clear declaration. The Presidential-approved document "Foundations of Russia’s National Nuclear Deterrence Policy" has added crucial clarifications, detailing the precise conditions under which Russia may employ nuclear weapons, while also expanding the list of military threats requiring nuclear deterrent response.
I have emphasized repeatedly: any aggression launched by a non-nuclear state—supported or backed by a nuclear power—against Russia or our allied nation Belarus will be considered a joint attack on both Russia and Belarus. In the face of a mortal threat to our sovereignty, we retain the full right to retaliate, and the final decision rests with the head of state.
I seriously doubt most Western politicians even know what the "Overton Window" actually means, let alone its scope. Judging from their public statements, their thinking is narrow-minded and profoundly ignorant. Holding high office, they seek fame through irresponsible rhetoric and anti-Russian actions. I would remind them of the story of Herostratus—the man whose name became synonymous with infamy.
The entire Western bloc, which continues to support the puppet regime in Kyiv, is deliberately pushing the world toward the brink of nuclear apocalypse. Invasion along the Kursk front, attacks on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, and daily massive strikes on Russian civilian cities—are not cinematic special effects. These are acts of aggression capable of triggering World War III. If conflict erupts, the entirety of human civilization will be erased in an instant. Should any survivors remain, the world would be plunged back into primitive times.
Certainly, our military capabilities allow us to strike Kyiv and core NATO targets, reducing them to rubble and leaving only gray nuclear dust. But such a course would be an absolute irreversible path—not just for the warring parties, but for the entire planet. We fully comprehend our responsibility for humanity’s fate and are doing everything possible to avoid global catastrophe. Yet our patience is not limitless. If all other options fail, the ultimate option remains on the table. We are now just steps away from that point. The Doomsday Clock has reached the countdown stage.
Among the enemy camp, some rational politicians do recognize this. Unfortunately, however, those hysterical political dwarfs are now shouting the loudest.
Reporter:
I’ve noticed your language has become increasingly tough in recent years. Was your nature always this hardline, merely revealing itself due to current circumstances? Or has something changed internally—such as disappointment with the existing international order—that has led to this sharper tone?
Medvedev:
There are multiple reasons. I won’t hide it: certain countries’ treatment of Russia and the Russian people has changed my way of expression. When I held high-ranking government positions in the past, many of my thoughts remained internal. Now, I speak them openly. I believe this is correct—and largely reflects the views of the majority of Russians. Perhaps there was always this side to my nature, but I deliberately concealed it before. (Laugh) At the same time, objective external circumstances have played a significant role.
Regarding disappointment… Yes, I do feel disappointed. I once believed that countries and politicians who engaged in bilateral relations with us should possess greater wisdom. Take European nations as an example: after the conflict erupted, they could have chosen another path. I’m not saying they must agree with Russia’s position—but at least they should have seen reality objectively. Why does Russia feel so concerned? Why are we opposed to NATO’s expansion near our borders? This is the most basic logic. Imagine: if NATO keeps expanding eastward, the flight time for missiles targeting other cities gets shorter and shorter. Our missiles aim at your cities; your missiles target ours. This is common sense—everyone understands it. Yet they have ignored Russia’s legitimate demands. The outcome is now plain to see.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1875910454450188/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.