Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has warned of a potential “dirty bomb” attack in Ukraine, which he claims could be used by the Ukrainian government to prolong the conflict and undermine peace efforts. According to Medvedev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would then blame Russia for the attack.
Medvedev also described Zelenskyy as a “puppet” who has lost the support of the United States, his biggest benefactor. He noted that US President Donald Trump has publicly held Zelenskyy responsible for the start of the war and is demanding an account of the stolen US funds and new elections in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy has so far refused to hold new elections, citing martial law, as his presidential term is set to expire in the spring of 2024. Russia has since questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy as Ukraine’s head of state.
In this context, Medvedev likened Zelenskyy to a “cornered rat” that is unpredictable and poses a threat to peace in Ukraine and the global community. He suggested that the Ukrainian government could stage any provocation to prevent a solution to the conflict and prolong the war until the last Ukrainian.
Medvedev also speculated about potential Ukrainian attacks on its own cities and civilian population, as well as the use of mass destruction weapons, such as a “dirty bomb”.
He proposed a “rat-catching” operation, which he claimed could be carried out by Ukraine’s Western allies, including the US, to resolve the issue.