Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinski cites nuclear threat if Ukraine and NATO attempt to reclaim territories.
In a recent statement, Vladimir Medinski, aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, warned that a nuclear conflict could arise if Ukraine and NATO attempt to reclaim territories deemed part of the Russian Federation.
Medinski's remarks, made during an interview with a local news outlet, highlighted the escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Medinski expressed concern that halting the conflict without a formal peace agreement could lead to territorial disputes, likening the situation to the unresolved conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.
He articulated that merely achieving a ceasefire without establishing a comprehensive peace could set the stage for future hostilities.
'If we stop the conflict along the front line and do not agree on a real peace, it will become a large Karabakh,' he remarked.
The aide articulated that Russia does not desire an unrecognized region that could lead to catastrophic consequences, including a potential nuclear war.
He asserted that Ukraine, alongside NATO allies, would seek to reclaim territories, a situation he described as leading to the 'end of the planet.' Medinski insisted on the necessity for a 'full-fledged peace' to prevent such a scenario.
Further delving into the dynamics of the conflict, Medinski accused European nations of obstructing Ukraine's ability to negotiate a favorable settlement with Russia.
He suggested that informal discussions reveal a level of reasonableness among European leaders, but claimed that they act against Ukraine's interests.
Medinski emphasized that a swift agreement under acceptable conditions could be possible if the talks were aligned with the interests of Ukraine and its people.
He claimed that previous negotiations in April 2022 were undermined by foreign influences, particularly highlighting consultations involving the former British Prime Minister
Boris Johnson and U.S. representatives, which he said led to Ukraine's withdrawal from potential agreements.
He also discussed the challenges Ukraine faces in acknowledging military casualties and the financial implications surrounding damage compensation.
According to Medinski, Ukraine's government has been hesitant to accept the remains of its fallen soldiers due to the emotional and financial burdens involved.
He criticized the management of compensation funds provided by Western allies, claiming that the allocated money has not been spent on the intended purposes but has instead 'disappeared.'
Medinski detailed that if Ukrainian soldiers are classified as missing, the financial obligations to their families would cease, underscoring the complexities surrounding losses in the ongoing conflict.