Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has issued a stark warning to Donald Trump, invoking the threat of World War III after the US President criticized Russian leader Vladimir Putin for escalating the war in Ukraine.
Trump had recently stated that Putin was “playing with fire” by continuing the conflict and indicated he would “absolutely consider” imposing new sanctions on Moscow. His comments came amid a wave of deadly missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.
In response, Medvedev took to social media with a pointed message: “Regarding Trump’s words about Putin playing with fire and really bad things happening to Russia. I only know of one REALLY BAD thing – WWIII. I hope Trump understands this!”
Donald Trump’s frustration over the ongoing war in Ukraine—one he has repeatedly claimed he could end within 24 hours—boiled over this weekend following a deadly Russian drone strike that killed at least 13 people.
With diplomatic efforts gaining momentum in recent weeks, accusations have mounted that Vladimir Putin is deliberately stalling peace negotiations. On Tuesday, Trump issued a sharp warning to the Russian leader, saying, “What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!”
While Trump did not elaborate on the consequences he referenced, both The Wall Street Journal and CNN reported that he is now seriously considering a new round of sanctions on Moscow—possibly as early as this week. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump confirmed he was “absolutely” weighing such a move.
The heated exchange underscores growing tensions as the war in Ukraine drags on, with high-level rhetoric further straining already fragile international relations.
