Russian official warns of potential strikes on NATO military bases as conflict escalates

Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, has suggested that strikes on NATO military bases could not be ruled out under certain conditions. 

"At the moment, if the conflict develops according to the escalation scenario, nothing can be ruled out," he stated, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

He underscored that NATO countries have become fully involved in the conflict in Ukraine, adding, "We did not want such a scenario, and this has been repeatedly stated."

Medvedev also expressed confidence that newly elected US President Donald Trump has the capability to help resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He described Trump as a pragmatic figure, emphasizing that the United States holds the necessary tools to bring an end to the conflict. Medvedev remarked, "All the keys lie in Washington’s hands," while also asserting that Russia is not dependent on any foreign leader. He clarified that Russia's own forces and defensive capabilities would ultimately determine the outcome of the conflict.

The interview comes amidst escalating tensions, with Russia recently launching a medium-range hypersonic missile, the "Oreshnik," at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. The strike, reportedly in response to Ukraine's long-range missile attacks on Russian territory, marks a new level of escalation in the 33-month conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the strike targeted a Ukrainian military facility and warned of possible future attacks, though he assured civilians would be given prior notice.

Medvedev emphasized that Ukraine’s strikes on Russian territory, including the Bryansk region, would not go unanswered but dismissed their effectiveness, stating they failed to achieve their objectives. He also noted that Washington had been notified about Russia’s missile launches in accordance with bilateral agreements aimed at preventing broader international conflict.

On NATO's involvement, Medvedev accused the alliance of fueling the war through its continued support for Ukraine. He reiterated that the conflict could potentially end if NATO were to cease its backing of Kyiv. Addressing the possibility of nuclear weapons use, Medvedev called it a realistic but undesirable option, stressing that Russia would only resort to such measures if absolutely necessary.

Meanwhile, Dmitriy Polyanskiy, Russia's First Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, echoed similar sentiments during a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine. He warned of decisive Russian responses to any further escalation by Western nations.

Polyanskiy highlighted that Russia’s hypersonic weapons remain unmatched globally and that US missile defence systems in Europe are incapable of intercepting them. He further argued that Russia reserves the right to target military facilities in countries providing military aid to Ukraine, stating this is a legitimate response to Western involvement in the conflict.

By Tamilla Hasanova