Preemptive strikes against the West may be on the table, according to former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. In a Thursday interview with Russian state media outlet Tass, Medvedev said, “We need to act accordingly. To respond in full. And if necessary, launch preemptive strikes.”
Medvedev’s threats follow President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping new sanctions against Moscow, including 100% tariffs on nations that continue buying Russian oil unless the Kremlin agrees to peace talks within 50 days. “They’re already being shipped,” Trump said of U.S. Patriot missile systems during remarks at Joint Base Andrews, signaling his intent to bolster NATO and pressure Vladimir Putin simultaneously.
A Pentagon reprioritization has delayed U.S. missile deliveries to Switzerland to speed deployment to Ukraine. Switzerland’s defense ministry confirmed Thursday that “it will reprioritize the delivery of Patriot systems to support Ukraine, focusing on ground-based air defense.”
While Germany’s defense ministry remained unaware of specific Patriot shipments, virtual meetings scheduled by the Ukraine Defense Contact Group are expected to finalize delivery plans.
Medvedev responded to these developments by accusing NATO of engaging in a “full-scale war.” He said, “What is happening today is a proxy war, but in essence it is a full-scale war.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who reportedly discussed striking Moscow with Trump, said the 50-day ultimatum is too slow. “Fifty days, for us, is just – every day is scary,” he told the New York Post. “Putin has wasted President Trump’s time,” he added. “We would certainly like to speed up this process.”
