Dmitry Medvedev criticizes Zelenskyy and NATO expansion

Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, has issued sharp criticisms against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, linking his leadership to historical and existential tensions.

In an interview with the South Ossetia newspaper, Medvedev suggested that Zelenskyy could face a fate similar to former Georgian leader Mikheil Saakashvili due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Medvedev characterized the Ukrainian leadership as “Nazi and terrorist” and suggested that Zelenskyy might eventually be brought before an international court, though he expressed doubt whether such a trial would ever occur.

Medvedev also addressed the expansion of NATO, describing the alliance as a “hostile military-political bloc” that poses an existential threat to the Russian state, particularly regarding the potential inclusion of former Soviet republics like Georgia and Ukraine.

Additionally, Medvedev criticized the Ukrainian government's decision to hold a competition for a monument to Hetman Ivan Mazepa in Kyiv. He accused Zelenskyy of “heroizing Nazis and traitors” through this move, referencing historical figures that Moscow views as opponents of the Russian state. Medvedev warned that continued historical rehabilitation policies could lead to the glorification of figures like Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini.