Russian former president and deputy chairman of the Security Council Medvedev makes threatening remarks again

This time, he called the Estonian leadership "aggressive and foolish," stating that if NATO shoots down Russian drones in Ukraine, it would lead to a war between Russia and NATO. He also threatened to "hold accountable these corrupt European countries" for seizing and freezing Russian assets, and he criticized the Austrian foreign minister.

Here is the full text of Medvedev's post:

"Latest news:

1. The Estonian defense minister arrived in Kyiv with his entire entourage and made threats. Well, then you should be careful. The smaller the country, the more aggressive and foolish its leaders tend to be. The so-called 'Eastern Outpost' 'strong European initiative' also seems laughable to me — obviously, this is all that remains of that initial 'Will Alliance.'

But seriously, the provocative idea proposed by the Kyiv authorities and other fools — establishing a no-fly zone in Ukraine and allowing NATO countries to shoot down our drones — if implemented, will only result in one outcome: a war between NATO and Russia. I'm speaking plainly!

2. Regarding the crazy idea from some people in Brussels and EU countries to steal Russian property under the guise of providing loans to Ukraine using Russian assets as collateral: If this actually happens, Russia will take all possible measures to hold the EU countries, as well as those individual EU countries and Brussels that attempt to seize our property, 'corrupt Europeans' accountable forever. The relevant claims are not subject to statute of limitations, and the criminal responsibility for international crimes will not be restricted by the statute of limitations — we will hold them accountable in any international court or domestic courts of various countries.

In certain cases, we may also take extralegal measures.

3. The Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger reminisced about the glory of the long-defunct empire and Vienna's status in world diplomacy. Just two months after she proposed that Austria join NATO, she suddenly claimed that the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine should be held in Austria, because Austria is a neutral country and should not join NATO. It seems she now firmly opposes joining NATO.

Probably the effect of the Austrian vodka has worn off, Beate has become sober — and is now very scared. She really should have studied history more carefully in school...

Comments: Medvedev's remarks continue his usual hardline and aggressive style. From a logical perspective, his statements include an explicit strategic red line on "NATO shooting down Russian drones leading to war," as well as a firm stance against Europe seizing Russian assets, even mentioning "extralegal measures," aiming to protect Russian interests and deter opponents.

Medvedev's remarks have both the intention of "drawing a red line" and imply the protection of Russia's core interests — clearly stating "NATO shooting down Russian drones means war" is to prevent NATO's potential military involvement and avoid further escalation of the conflict; a firm opposition to Europe seizing Russian assets is to protect the bottom line of Russia's overseas interests. However, overly radical wording might lead to misjudgment of Russia's strategic intentions by the outside world, increasing the risk of miscalculation.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1843323614971972/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author."