“We will do everything we can to prevent nuclear weapons from appearing in heighboring countries that are hostile to us. For example, Nazi Ukraine, which is directly controlled by NATO countries these days” (…) “there is no point in counting on the reason and political will of the Kiev regime” (…) “But there is still a fragile hope for the common sense and sense of self-preservation of the enemy countries that indulge them [the Kiev authorities]. They understand: if the threat to Russia exceeds the established danger limit, we will have to respond. Without asking anyone’s permission, without much consultation. And this is definitely not a bluff“ – Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev (TASS – ‘Russia to not allow its hostile neighbors to have nuclear weapons — Medvedev’ 27.09.2022).
The people surrounding President Vladimir Putin shows why the Russian Federation is acting like it is. The paranoia and the intimidation of others. This isn’t the first time the close associate and ally, Dmitry Medvedev has come with harsh words. Heck, he has been like this through the war and invasion of Ukraine. He even wrote a text lecturing Poland of it’s ties to Russia earlier in the year.
This from yesterday just shows the hypocrisy. Because, Ukraine did demilitarize and stop the nuclear arms capacity, which was signed in an agreement with Russia. Nevertheless, those deals are worthless, when the sovereignty and the Russian Federation comes knocking on its doors. The Ukrainian state became weaker and that made it easier for Russia to invade. Therefore, the threats and intimidation is getting old.
It isn’t like the use of nuclear option haven’t been talked about during the conflict. The Kremlin and the President has done this before during the months of invasion. Medvedev isn’t doing anything new. He can project these capacities and the usage of it now.
We know Russia is within their rights and opinions of how they want in the region. Because, people will look into the Cuban Missile Crisis and say the United States of America is doing the same. Alas, here is also a difference too. Since, the Russians are waging war and blaming Ukraine. A nation that did follow the stipulations of an agreement that Russia has violated. This being the Budapest Memorandum.
With that in mind… here is two crucial articles of the Budapest Memorandum of 1994:
“1. The Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine, in accordance with the principles of CSCE Final Act, to respect the independence and sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine” (Budapest Memorandum – Memorandum on security assurances in connection with Ukraine’s accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Budapest, 5 December 1994, 1994).
“2. The Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America reaffirm their obligation to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine, and none of their weapons will ever be used against Ukraine except in self-defense or otherwise in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations” (Budapest Memorandum – Memorandum on security assurances in connection with Ukraine’s accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Budapest, 5 December 1994, 1994).
So, it isn’t that Ukraine is hostile or indifference of the Budapest Memorandum. No, these stipulated agreement has been violated and breached by the Russian Federation. Not the other way around. That’s why Medvedev own words are just really wrong. He should know better, but Russia needs to be the big brother and the most powerful one.
While he also comes with the “Nazi” lie, which the “Z” of Russia cannot explain. Just their way of justifying the invasion and the “Special Operation”. That such a flawed argument and pointless, but it fits the Russian propaganda of late. Also, that Ukraine is controlled by NATO, which is also not true. Yes, NATO is helping Ukraine, but they are not interfering or directing Ukraine by any stretch of imagination. There is more reasons to believe that the Russians are interfering in Ukraine and Belarus for their own advantage. Therefore, Medvedev is really just showing his lack reasoning, but no should be shocked by that.
This sort of text is so easily to address and look into. It isn’t like Medvedev is doing anything clever. Instead, his talking points is more threats and wanting to boost the egos of Kremlin. Surely, that is working at home, but in Europe his not winning hearts. Medvedev and allies better reconsider their stances. It isn’t like the Russians are winning or advancing in Ukraine. No, their war is backfiring and their leverage is shrinking too. Peace.
MinBane 