Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s deputy security council chairman, asserted Thursday that a recent conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin averted a global catastrophe. He claimed the U.S. wrongly assumed global leadership with the right to wage hybrid warfare against Russia, a mistake nearly resulting in global annihilation, without acknowledging the West’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Medvedev warned that arrogant American elites and the “deep state” must learn from this, threatening nuclear escalation if they don’t.
Trump’s Wednesday call with Putin, followed by his announcement of imminent peace talks on Truth Social, caused international unease, especially given his earlier statement that Ukraine’s NATO membership was unrealistic.
European leaders expressed serious concerns. Kaja Kallas stated that surrendering to Russia’s key demands before negotiations is unwise, emphasizing the need for full European and Ukrainian involvement in any peace agreement to prevent a “dirty deal.”
Kallas’s concerns followed a meeting with NATO defense ministers, who voiced support for Ukraine and warned Washington. Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene highlighted the choice between believing Trump and Putin’s solution or strengthening Europe’s capabilities, and Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stressed that peace without Ukraine’s participation is impossible.
Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesperson, announced Putin’s willingness to welcome international leaders, including Trump, to Moscow in May.
European leaders reacted with worry to Trump and the Kremlin’s statements, insisting on EU and Ukrainian participation in any peace agreement. This was echoed by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and a joint statement from seven European leaders demanded their involvement in negotiations, emphasizing the need to strengthen Ukraine’s position.
President Zelenskyy stated his willingness to exchange reclaimed Ukrainian land in Russia for land occupied by Russia in eastern Ukraine, and confirmed speaking with Trump about lasting peace following Trump’s conversation with Putin.