Russia Warns of Nuclear Weapons in Baltic if Sweden and Finland Join Nato

THE GUARDIAN: ‘No more talk of any nuclear-free status for the Baltic,’ senior member of security council says

‘The balance must be restored’ in the Baltic, says Dmitry Medvedev (right), pictured with Vladimir Putin in 2020. Photograph: Yuri Kochetkov/EPA
Moscow has said it will be forced to strengthen its defences in the Baltic if Finland and Sweden join Nato, including by deploying nuclear weapons, as the war against Ukraine entered its seventh week and the country braced for a major attack in the east.

The Russian former president Dmitry Medvedev, a senior member of Russia’s security council, said on Thursday that all its forces in the region would be bolstered if the two Nordic countries joined the US-led alliance.

Finland and Sweden are deliberating over whether to abandon decades of military non-alignment and join Nato, with the two Nordic countries’ leaders saying Russia’s onslaught on Ukraine had changed Europe’s “whole security landscape”.

Their accession to the alliance would more than double Russia’s land border with Nato members, Medvedev said. “Naturally, we will have to reinforce these borders” by bolstering ground, air and naval defences in the region, he said. » | Jon Henley, Europe correspondent | Thursday, April 14, 2022

Pelosi Pressed on Russian Ambassador Meeting

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-D) talks about a 2010 meeting she had with then-Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev in which Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak was present.

Cyprus Fallout: Moscow Accuses Euro Zone of Theft -- and Worse

SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL: Russia has sharply criticized the bailout deal for Cyprus, with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev accusing the EU of theft. Russian state television even likened the forced levy imposed on wealthy investors -- many of them Russian -- to the expropriation of Jews by Nazi Germany.

The verdict of Russian state television on Europe's effort to save Cyprus was damning. The last week "will enter the history books of the EU as a destructive one," said Dmitry Kiselev, the presenter of the popular news program Vesti Nedili on the Rossiya channel.

Kiselev heaped criticism on the forced levy to be imposed on bank deposits in Cyprus. He said the last time a Western European government proceeded so recklessly was when Adolf Hitler expropriated the Jews.

Nazi propaganda at the time described the money held by Jewish people as "dirty," said Kiselev. That was precisely how Europe was talking about Russian assets deposited in Cyprus, he added.

"The new world order is being founded against Russia, at Russia's costs and on the rubble of Russia," said a Rossiya correspondent from the Mediterranean island nation.

The Kremlin feels it has been sidelined in the tug-of-war over the Cypriot bailout, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso visited Moscow for talks last Friday, but just a few days later, Europe's new attempt to avert a financial meltdown in Cyprus has elicited fierce criticism from Moscow. » | Benjamin Bidder in Moscow | Monday, March 25, 2013

Barack Obama Caught Hinting at Concessions to Dmitry Medvedev
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Barack Obama was accused of putting his desire for re-election before America's national security on Monday, after being caught hinting to President Dmitry Medvedev that he would offer concessions to Russia on defence if he were re-elected.

The US president was captured by a live microphone telling Mr Medvedev that he would have "more flexibility" in negotiations over contentious plans for a missile shield in Europe if he beat his Republican challenger in November.

Delivering a message for president-elect Vladimir Putin, Mr Obama said: "On all these issues, but particularly missile defence, this can be solved, but it's important for him to give me space.

"This is my last election," he added, in a discussion following a meeting in Seoul, South Korea. "After my election, I have more flexibility." "Yeah, I understand," Mr Medvedev replied. "I understand your message about space". He added: "I understand. I transmit this information to Vladimir." » | Jon Swaine | Washington | Monday, March 26, 2012

Russia: Finance Minister Threatens to Quit over Medvedev

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Respected Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin said he will resign if current President Dmitry Medvedev is named prime minister next year under a new Vladimir Putin presidency.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Putin said he will run for president in the spring and would select Medvedev as his prime minister if elected. Kudrin, who is one of the most trusted Russian politicians among foreign investors, said Sunday that he has fundamental economic disagreements with Medvedev.

"I do not see myself in the new government. The point is not only that no one has offered me the job. I think that the disagreements I have will not allow me to join the government," Kudrin said in Washington at a World Bank meeting, hours after Putin's announcement that he would seek a return to the presidency he previously held for two terms.

Kudrin, who has served as finance minister for the last 11 years, is believed to have a major role in Russia's economic growth and stability. Earlier this year Kudrin was seen as a likely choice for Putin's prime minister. » | Khristina Narizhnaya | Sunday, September 25, 2011

NZZ ONLINE: Das erste Opfer der russischen Rochade: Finanzminister Alexei Kudrin tritt nach Streit mit Medwedew zurück » | Reuters | Montag 26. September 2011

Vladimir Putin on Course to Be Russia's Next President as Dmitry Medvedev Steps Aside
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Vladimir Putin has dispelled months of speculation and confirmed he will return to the Russian presidency next year in a move that cements his already vice-like grip on the world’s largest country.


In a glitzy appearance before thousands of cheering supporters in a Soviet-era football stadium in Moscow, Mr Putin, currently the prime minister, accepted a stage-managed proposal from Dmitry Medvedev, the current president, to run for the presidency on a ticket for the ruling United Russia party in March next year.

"I want to thank you for the positive reaction to the proposal for me to stand for Russian president," said Mr Putin, beaming broadly to loud applause. "For me this is a great honour."

The decision means that Mr Putin, 58, is certain to become the next president of Russia in 2012 as the country remains a de facto one party state, with United Russia controlling the state media and all the key levers of power.

Mr Putin told his followers what Russia watchers had long suspected: that the two men had long ago cut a deal to allow Mr Putin to return to the presidency in 2012 after he was forced to stand down in 2008 on a technicality.

"I would like to say directly that the agreement about what should be done, what we should be doing (was) reached a long time ago, several years ago," Putin said. » | Andrew Osborn, Moscow | Saturday, September 24, 2011

Putin Proposed for Russian Presidential Run by Medvedev

THE GUARDIAN: Current president's endorsement virtually seals his predecessor's return to power at the Kremlin

The prospect of Vladamir Putin leading Russia until 2024 become more realistic after Russia's ruling duo ended months of speculation on Saturday with President Dmitry Medvedev proposing his predecessor make a run fort the top job next year.

Medvedev told a congress of the ruling United Russia party that he would back Putin in his return to the Kremlin. That means Putin could lead Russia until at least 2024.

Speaking to thousands of flag-waving delegates in Moscow's Soviet-era Luzhniki stadium, Medvedev first accepted Putin's suggestion that he head the party's federal party list in December's parliamentary vote.

The crowd erupted into a gasp of surprise and then applause when he said: "I think it's right that the party congress support the candidacy of head of the government, Vladimir Putin, in the role of the country's president." » | Miriam Elder in Moscow | Saturday, September 24, 2011

ANDREW OSBORN: Vladimir Putin versus Dmitry Medvedev » | Friday, September 23, 2011

Dmitry Medvedev Dancing to American Boy

RUSSIA TODAY: Dancing Medvedev grooves internet »

Dmitry Medvedev Spends £26m on Luxury Yacht
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian president, has spent £26m on a super-yacht with whirlpool baths, an artificial waterfall and a cinema.

The 177 foot-long Sirius has quarters for 12 crew and a range of 5,000 miles. >>> | Friday, January 28, 2011

It’s a crying shame that Britain isn’t an ex-communist state. Perhaps were Britain to be, we’d all have a chance to be get-rich-quick billionaires today! Nothing like being an ex-communist to catapult one into the stratosphere! Money seems to flow to the ex-communists of this world like rivers flow to the sea! Are you listening, Castro? – © Mark

Dmitry Medvedev Warns of Cold War-style Arms Race
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Dmitry Medvedev has warned the world will be plunged into a new Cold War-style arms race within a decade unless Moscow and the West can strike a deal on a new missile defence system.

Mr Medvedev, the Russian president, who was giving his annual state-of-the-nation speech in the Kremlin, issued the stark warning in an apparent attempt to strong-arm Nato into caving in on the sensitive issue.

He is reported to have presented his own blueprint for a joint Nato-Russia missile defence shield at the Nato summit in Lisbon earlier this month but to have got only a lukewarm response.

Analysts said his blunt message to the West on Tuesday appeared to be: embrace us as a fully-fledged partner or have us as a potential foe.

"In the coming 10 years, we are facing the following alternative," he told an audience of Russia's top decision makers including Vladimir Putin, the prime minister.

"Either we agree on anti-missile defence and opt for fully-fledged joint co-operation, or – if we fail to get constructive co-operation – (we will face) a new round of the arms race." >>> Andrew Osborn in Moscow | Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Putin Criticizes U.S. Remarks on Russia
THE NEW YORK TIMES: MOSCOW — Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin responded sharply on Wednesday to criticism of Russia revealed in United States diplomatic cables published by the whistle-blowing Web site WikiLeaks, warning Washington not to interfere in Russian domestic affairs.

His comments, made in an interview to be aired on CNN’s Larry King Live, referred to a cable that said “Russian democracy has disappeared” and described the government as “an oligarchy run by the security services,” a statement attributed to the American defense secretary, Robert M. Gates.

Mr. Putin said Mr. Gates was “deeply misled,” and said Washington does not welcome critiques of its own political system.

In the interview, Mr. Putin also warned that Russia would develop and deploy new nuclear weapons if the United States does not accept its proposals on integrating Russian and European missile defense forces — amplifying on a comment made by President Dmitri A. Medvedev in his annual state of the nation address on Tuesday. >>> Ellen Barry | Wednesday, November 01, 2010

Medvedev Criticises USSR Over Human Rights
THE TELEGRAPH: Dmitry Medvedev has launched a wide-ranging attack on the Soviet Union as a totalitarian state that crushed individual liberties in the most outspoken comments on the USSR by a Russian leader in recent years.

Mr Medvedev's comments, which also included stinging criticism on the historical role of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, will be interpreted by many as an attempt to distance himself from Vladimir Putin, the prime minister, who has adopted a more ambiguous stance on Russia's often tragic history.

In an interview Mr Medvedev declared that nothing could justify Stalin's crimes against his own people.

"Despite the fact that he worked a lot, and despite the fact that under his leadership the country recorded many successes, what was done to his own people cannot be forgiven." >>> Andrew Osborn in Moscow | Friday, May 07, 2010

Obama / Medvedev News Conference
Watch BBC live video: US President Obama and Russian President Medvedev hold a joint news conference after meeting to discuss relations between their countries and arms control issues >>>

Dmitry Medvedev at Moscow Missile Parade: 'Russia Will Teach Aggressors a Lesson'
TIMES ONLINE: Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's president, has warned at a military parade in Red Square that Moscow will teach foreign aggressors the "lessons" of the Second World War.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev taking part at a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier outside the Moscow Kremlin. Photo courtesy of TimesOnline
Nuclear missile launchers and battle tanks were driven through the centre of Moscow, while air force bombers flew above the city's skyline, as Russia celebrated victory over Nazi Germany 64 years ago. Mr Medvedev ordered the Soviet-style parade of might to remind the world that Russia remained a powerful military force.

With Vladimir Putin, the prime minister, standing beside him, Mr Medvedev told thousands of troops drawn up on the cobbles of Red Square that Russia still faced external threats to its security.

"The victory over fascism is a great example and a great lesson for all people and is still current today when people are again starting military adventures," he said.

The president's comments seemed to be primarily directed at Georgia, with which Russia fought a five-day war last year, but could also be a coded warning to the United States, some observers said. Washington is planning to build a missile defence shield in central Europe, a project that has been repeatedly condemned in Moscow.

Mr Medvedev said that foreign designs against Russia would meet the same response it gave the Nazis during the War.

"We are sure that any aggression against our citizens will be given a worthy reply," he said.

The parade was the biggest show of force since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Last year, under an initiative from Mr Putin, tanks and intercontinental ballistic missiles reappeared in Red Square after a 17-year hiatus as part of a drive to show off Russia's military resurgence. >>> By Adrian Blomfield in Moscow | Saturday, May 9, 2009

Medvedev Congratulates Muslims on Eid Al-Adha
One can only wonder whether strong man Medvedev really believes this twaddle. First it was Dubya issuing such statements from the White House; now it’s Dmitry issuing them from the Kremlin. – Mark

INTERFAX: Moscow - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has congratulated Russian Muslims on the main Islam holiday Eid Al-Adha, the Kremlin press service reported.



"This is a significant religious holiday for each Muslim which symbolizes peace and kindness, all forgivingness and care of friends. It reminds of the basis of Islam, which calls for justice and mercy, nourish respective attitude to panhuman values in peoples," the felicitation reads.



The ancient holiday of Eid Al-Adha is widely celebrated in modern Russia, the president said. "Hajj is performed every year.

Prayers for the welfare of the motherland can be heard in mosques. For those professing Islam, these bright days are the time of spiritual improvement and attention to those in need," he said.



"Maintaining the traditions of many centuries, you contribute to ensuring the spiritual and cultural diversity of our country, assist mutual understanding, tolerance and interethnic consent in Russian society," Medvedev said.



Chairman of the Russian Council of Muftis Ravil Gainutdin read the Russian presidential felicitation at the Moscow Cathedral Mosque on Monday. [Source: Interfax] | December 8, 2008

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Medvedev in Cuba to Improve Ties
BBC: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is in Cuba for the final stop in a tour of Latin America intended to strengthen Russian influence in the region.

Mr Medvedev and Cuban President Raul Castro are expected to sign deals on nickel mining and oil exploration.

The Russian leader arrived in Havana from Venezuela, where he and President Hugo Chavez signed a deal on promoting nuclear energy for civilian use.

Military co-operation also featured in Mr Medvedev's talks with Mr Chavez.

After meeting his Cuban counterpart, Mr Medvedev told reporters: "We have a systematic dialogue. Our relations have been generally good, but in the past six months they have become especially intense."

Russian and Venezuelan warships are scheduled to hold joint military exercises later this week.

Russia is already a major arms supplier to Venezuela, with contracts worth some $4.4bn (£2.39bn). >>> | November 28, 2008

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Russia 'Pinning Hopes on Obama'
Photo of Medvedev courtesy of the BBC
BBC: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said he hopes US President-elect Barack Obama will help rebuild the strained relations between their two countries.

In a speech in Washington, Mr Medvedev said that a new US administration might be able to address what he described as a lack of "necessary mutual trust".

He said he wanted to meet Mr Obama soon after he takes office in January.

The Russian leader also indicated that Russia might accept a compromise over a planned US missile shield in Europe.

Two weeks ago, he said Moscow would neutralise the possible deployment by the US of a tracking radar in the Czech Republic and missile interceptors in Poland by stationing short-range missiles in its western enclave of Kaliningrad.

The US insists the shield is incapable of threatening Russia and is designed solely to guard against missile attacks by "rogue states". >>> | November 16, 2008

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Russia in Ambitious Re-armament Push
THE TELEGRAPH: Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian president, yesterday vowed to defy Western attempts to isolate Moscow as he gave his backing to an ambitious re-armament programme.

Both Mr Medvedev and Vladimir Putin, the prime minister, resorted to the language of the Cold War as they pledged to increase defence spending by 50 per cent over the next three years.

But they also sought to portray Russia as the victim of Nato aggression.

As his parliament gave its support to the higher defence budget, Mr Medvedev accused the United States and its allies of seeking to isolate Russia behind "thick walls and an iron curtain."

The West's attempts to punish and pressure Russia for its invasion of Georgia last month would not deter the Kremlin from seeking to reassert the country's military might on the global stage, he warned.

Although his deputy foreign minister said that the possibility of war with the United States had been "ruled out", the president hinted that an aggressive Western response over the crisis in the Caucasus could prompt Russia to accelerate the re-armament process.

"We will continuously strengthen our national security, modernize the military and increase our defence capability to a sufficient level," Mr Medvedev said. "And we will determine what level is sufficient proceeding from the current situation." Russia Defies West with New Arms Spending >>> By Adrian Blomfield in Moscow | September 20, 2008

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Russia Warns of New Iron Curtain
Photo courtesy of the BBC
BBC: President Dmitri Medvedev has accused the West of trying to push Russia behind a new "Iron Curtain".

"This is not our path. For us there is no sense going back to the past," the Russian leader said in Moscow.

He also blamed Nato for provoking last month's fighting between Russia and Georgia over South Ossetia.

His comments come a day after US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Russia was becoming increasingly aggressive abroad.

In a strongly-worded speech, Ms Rice said Moscow was on a "one-way path to isolation and irrelevance".

Diplomatic relations between the US and its European allies, on one side, and Russia on the other, have been strained by the Georgian conflict.

Lambasting Nato

"We are in effect being pushed down a path that is founded not on fully-fledged, civilised partnership with other countries, but on autonomous development, behind thick walls, behind an Iron Curtain," President Medvedev said. Russia Warns of New Iron Curtain >>> | September 19, 2008

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Tough US Talk: Is the World Taking a Turn for the Worse?
Watch BBC video: Condoleezza Rice on Russia's ''aggression'' >>>
BBC: Russia is becoming increasingly authoritarian at home and aggressive abroad, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said.

In a strongly-worded speech, Ms Rice said Moscow was on a "one-way path to isolation and irrelevance".

Diplomatic relations between the US and Russia have been strained by the recent conflict in Georgia.

Earlier, Russia's president said the two nations should not risk established ties over "trivial matters."

Dmitry Medvedev said it would be "politically short-sighted" if Washington and Moscow were to endanger their political and economic ties.

However, Ms Rice suggested in her speech that following the conflict in Georgia, Russia's bid to join the World Trade Organisation had been put in doubt.

The US has already shelved a civilian nuclear deal with Russia, but despite tensions the two countries are maintaining diplomatic links.

Ms Rice held a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov just hours before delivering her speech, says the BBC's Kim Ghattas in Washington, and Russia is also due to join an international meeting on Iran's nuclear programme on Friday.

Our correspondent says Moscow is also telling the US that its co-operation is needed over issues like Iran and North Korea, with many in Washington feeling the Russians have a point.
Several hours after Ms Rice spoke, it emerged that a Russian submarine test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

An official from Russia's defence ministry is quoted as saying that the test - carried out in Russia's far-eastern Kamchatka peninsula - went according to plan. Rice Criticises ‘Isolated’ Russia >>> | September 18, 2008

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Sarkozy wollte Treffen mit Moskau platzen lassen
WELT ONLINE: Zwischen dem russischen Präsidenten Dmitri Medwedjew und seinem französischen Kollegen Nicolas Sarkozy soll es heftig gekracht haben: Sarkozy wollte eigentlich in seiner Funktion als EU-Ratsvorsitzender in Moskau im Kaukasuskonflikt vermitteln. Doch plötzlich erklärte er: „Wir gehen."

Die Verhandlungen zwischen dem russischen Staatschef Dmitri Medwedjew und dem französischen Präsidenten Nicolas Sarkozy über eine Umsetzung des Friedensplans für Georgien sind nach übereinstimmenden Berichten „zeitweise äußerst spannungsgeladen“ verlaufen. An einem Punkt seien die Auseinandersetzungen zwischen der russischen Seite und der EU-Delegation um Sarkozy so heftig gewesen, dass der französische Präsident damit gedroht habe, die Gespräche sofort zu beenden, berichteten Vertreter der Europäischen Union und Frankreichs am Montag. Kaukasuskrise: Sarkozy wollte Treffen mit Moskau platzen lassen >>> | 9. September 2008

LE FIGARO:
Russie : Sarkozy a failli quitter la table des discussions : «On s'en va. Ce n'est pas négociable», aurait lancé le président français aux négociateurs russes, selon plusieurs sources, qui révèlent les dessous d'une discussion houleuse.

Voilà quatre heures que les délégations russes et européennes discutent à Moscou, lundi, de l'application de l'accord de paix en Géorgie signé en août, quand l'incident survient. Le président Medvedev s'est absenté, mais les négociateurs russes annoncent qu'ils souhaitent supprimer une partie de l'accord qui stipule que leurs forces doivent se retirer sur «leurs positions antérieures au début des hostilités». >>> 09.09.2008

ARAB NEWS:
Editorial: Sarkozy Mission over Georgia: THE visit to Moscow and the Georgian capital Tblisi by French President Nicolas Sarkozy accompanied by the EU’s Secretary-General Manuel Barroso and its “foreign minister” Javier Solana demonstrates how worried the Europeans are about Russia’s incursion in Georgia. This is the second time that Sarkozy, current president of the European Council, has been to Moscow and Tblisi in a month and comes just a week after the 27 members of the union, in an emergency summit, pulled off the rare feat of a united stand on the issue, condemning Russia’s recognition of South Ossetian and Abkhazian independence, suspending a planned EU-Russia partnership agreement and firmly supporting Georgia’s sovereignty. >>> | September 9, 2008

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