Russian official confident new US leadership could end Ukrainian conflict

Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, expressed confidence that newly elected US President Donald Trump possesses the ability to help resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In an interview with Arabian media, Medvedev described Trump as a pragmatic figure, emphasizing that the United States holds the necessary tools to bring an end to the conflict, Caliber.Az reports.

Russia launched a medium-range hypersonic missile, the "Oreshnik," on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro in response to recent long-range missile strikes by Ukraine on Russian territory. This marks a new level of escalation in the ongoing 33-month conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the strike on a Ukrainian military facility, warning that more attacks could follow, though civilians would be given prior notice.

Medvedev emphasized that Ukraine’s attacks on Russian territory will not go unanswered, stressing that Washington had been notified about the missile in line with bilateral agreements to avoid international conflict.

Medvedev also dismissed Ukraine's long-range strikes on Russia’s Bryansk region as ineffective, stating they failed to hit their targets.

Medvedev expressed a pragmatic view of US politics, acknowledging that President Joe Biden’s actions will leave a lasting legacy for President-elect Donald Trump in dealing with the Ukrainian crisis. He went on to describe Trump as a pragmatic individual, adding that Trump could end the Ukrainian conflict, as “all the keys lie in Washington’s hands.”

However, he made it clear that Russia does not rely on any foreign leader, stating that Russia’s own forces and defensive capabilities will ultimately prevail.

On NATO's involvement in the conflict, Medvedev reiterated that the alliance’s actions are fueling the war and stressed that the conflict could end if NATO ceases its support for Ukraine. He also discussed the possibility of using nuclear weapons, deeming it a realistic option, though one Russia is not inclined to pursue unless necessary.

By Vafa Guliyeva