Vladimir Putin was reportedly on the edge of authorizing nuclear weapon usage following an alleged drone assault on his residence in late December. The assertion comes from Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally and former president of Russia. This claim has been met with skepticism, as Western intelligence has determined that no such attack occurred on Putin’s estate.
According to Medvedev, who has significant authority over Russia’s nuclear launch protocols, the supposed incident involved a large-scale drone strike on the Valdai estate, located near Moscow, on December 28–29. He suggested that such an event could warrant a retaliatory response, including the potential use of nuclear weapons. Medvedev emphasized the dangerous nature of provocations, stating, “This kind of game is extremely dangerous.”
Kyiv has categorically dismissed Medvedev’s claims as baseless, labeling them a “lie.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarked that the narrative appears to be an attempt by Russia to justify ongoing assaults on Ukraine. He characterized these stories as typical Russian deception tactics aimed at providing justification for their military actions.
Ukrainian forces did confirm conducting a drone strike on a legitimate military target in the Novgorod region, which is situated several miles from Putin’s residence. This detail further undermines the Russian narrative surrounding the alleged attack.
Medvedev’s comments were published in the Russian newspaper Kommersant and included pointed criticism of the United States, particularly the Trump administration, for neglecting Russian proposals to extend the New START nuclear arms control treaty. This treaty is set to expire on February 5, 2024, marking a significant shift in nuclear arms regulation, as it will be the first time since the early 1970s that there will be no binding limits on the strategic nuclear arsenals of the U.S. and Russia.
Medvedev argued that the collapse of arms control is a result of American bad faith rather than the failure of treaties. He warned that the world is heading towards an expanded nuclear arms race, stating, “New threats to our security will be promptly and firmly countered.”
He indicated that Russia is prepared for various developments in international security and highlighted the emergence of new types of powerful weapons. “There should be no illusions here,” he asserted, referencing advanced Russian systems such as Burevestnik, Oreshnik, and Poseidon.
As tensions continue to escalate, the international community remains alert to the implications of these developments, particularly the potential for nuclear escalation in an already volatile geopolitical landscape.
