Tensions between the U.S. and Russia escalated further after former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev issued a chilling response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks warning Moscow to “watch its words.”
Trump had publicly rebuked Medvedev on social media following provocative statements the Russian official posted on Telegram. In his message, Medvedev referenced Russia’s controversial Cold War-era “Dead Hand” system — an automatic nuclear retaliation mechanism designed to launch missiles even if the country’s leadership is wiped out in a first strike.
Medvedev wrote:
“If the words of a former Russian president provoke such a nervous reaction from the formidable U.S. President, then Russia is clearly on the right path and will continue forward. As for his comments about our ‘dead economy’ and ‘dangerous territory’—he should recall his favorite films about the walking dead, and just how dangerous a ‘dead hand’ can be, even if it’s not supposed to exist.”
The U.S. President did not hold back in his response. On his platform, Truth Social, Trump posted:
“Tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who still acts like he’s in charge, to watch his words. He’s treading on very dangerous ground.”
The exchange came shortly after Trump, speaking in Scotland alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, announced his intention to set a 10-to-12 day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. He emphasized that delays were no longer acceptable:
“There’s no reason to wait.”
Medvedev, who served as President of Russia from 2008 to 2012 and is now deputy chair of the Security Council, also mocked Trump by comparing him to President Joe Biden, saying Trump was “headed down the Sleepy Joe road.”
The verbal crossfire adds a new layer of volatility to the already strained relationship between Washington and Moscow, as the war in Ukraine continues and diplomatic avenues remain limited.