A heated exchange has once again erupted between US President Donald Trump and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. In response to Trump's new deadline and tariff threat to Russia regarding the Ukraine war, Medvedev sarcastically described it as a dangerous game. This verbal clash has further strained relations between the two countries.
Where Did This New Conflict Begin?
Amid the Ukraine crisis, relations between the US and Russia have remained consistently tense, but now this conflict has escalated to a war of words between leaders.
On July 14, US President Donald Trump warned Russia that if a peace deal with Ukraine is not reached by the beginning of September, he would impose severe tariffs on Russia.
However, within just two weeks, on July 28, Trump further tightened his deadline. He now gave Russia only 10 to 12 days, stating that he wanted to see concrete progress in the peace process by August 7 to 9.
Medvedev Responds Sharply
Dmitry Medvedev, the former President of Russia and current Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia, reacted sharply to Trump's announcement. He wrote on social media platform X:
“Trump is playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10...
He should remember that:
- Russia is neither Israel nor Iran.
- Every new ultimatum is a step towards war – not only between Russia and Ukraine, but also within the US.
Don’t go down the Sleepy Joe road!”
Medvedev, comparing Trump to Joe Biden, clearly indicated that this strategy could harm the US.
Trump Issues a Stern Warning
In response to Medvedev's statement, Trump also made a sharp comment, writing:
“I don’t care what India does with Russia.
Let them drown together with their dead economies, I don't care.
Tell Medvedev – the failed former President of Russia – who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words.
He’s entering very dangerous territory!”
In this statement, Trump not only targeted Medvedev, but also made an indirect comment on the growing trade relations between India and Russia.
Past Verbal Sparring Also Becomes a Topic of Discussion
This is not the first time Dmitry Medvedev has criticized Trump's policies.
On July 8, he wrote on Telegram:
“The top American is riding his favorite political rollercoaster again…
‘I am pleased with my conversation with Putin.’ / ‘I’m very disappointed.’
‘We are not supplying weapons to Ukraine.’ / ‘We will send more.’”
In addition, on May 27, he also mocked Trump's statement that Putin is playing with fire.
Will US-Russia Tensions Escalate Again?
This new war of words between Trump and Medvedev has signaled that the political and diplomatic conflict between the US and Russia could deepen again. Issues such as the Ukraine war, NATO's role, and India-Russia trade could further escalate these tensions.
Trump's tough stance strengthens his image as a "b leader" ahead of the upcoming US elections, while leaders like Medvedev from Russia are constantly seen challenging the US.
