Medvedev says Russia would use nuclear weapons if its security is threatened

September 10, 2026 at 11:53 AM1 min

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Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, said in an interview with Vedomosti that Russia would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons if its security is threatened. He emphasized that this is not a bluff but a real possibility. Medvedev also warned that a direct conflict would create an irreversible catastrophe for the whole world.

Key Facts

Dmitry Medvedev said Russia would use nuclear weapons if its security is threatened, calling it a real possibility, not a bluff.
Medvedev said any attack on Russia or Belarus supported by a nuclear power would be considered a joint aggression.
Medvedev stated that Moscow has obvious military capacity to destroy critical facilities in Kiev and NATO.
Medvedev called Western sanctions illegal and worthless, and said Russia's banking system remains stable.

Nuclear Doctrine Warning

Medvedev pointed to Russia's updated nuclear doctrine, saying an attack on Russia or Belarus supported by a nuclear power would be treated as a joint aggression. He said Moscow has obvious military capacity to destroy critical facilities in Kiev and NATO. Medvedev reiterated that a direct conflict would create an irreversible catastrophe for the whole world.

Sanctions Criticism

Medvedev argued that Western sanctions are illegal and worthless. He said Russia's banking system has maintained its stability despite the restrictions. Medvedev sharply criticized the West's stance on a possible direct conflict.