Report Dmitry Medvedev: From President to Kremlin Provocateur

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Picture courtesy of Yekaterina Shtukina/POOL/TASS

 

Dmitry Medvedev, once Russia's youthful president, now plays a fiery role as the Kremlin’s chief provocateur. Recently, he charged that President Donald Trump’s administration was edging the US and Russia towards conflict, underscoring Moscow’s nuclear strength after Trump hinted at fresh sanctions on Russia. Despite lacking executive powers as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, Medvedev’s outspoken remarks still capture attention.

 

This week, on Telegram, Medvedev painted a dramatic picture, urging Trump to envision a “Walking Dead” scenario and clearly hinting at Russia’s nuclear capabilities. In response, Trump swiftly ordered the repositioning of two nuclear submarines. The clash follows Trump’s new ultimatum, pushing for an end to the Ukrainian conflict with threats of sanctions—a move unlikely to sway the Kremlin.

 

Medvedev, who became president at 42, was initially seen as a modernising force, contrasting with Vladimir Putin's KGB background. He embraced technology and aimed to reform Russia’s economy and tackle corruption. However, his presidency acted mainly as a placeholder for Putin, allowing him to sidestep constitutional limits temporarily.

 

After stepping down in 2012, Medvedev’s transformation became evident. Transitioning from a liberal-leaning technocrat to a fierce nationalist, he’s now notorious for incendiary social media posts. His rhetoric shifted markedly; in 2009 he advocated strong ties with the West, while recently he warned of the dire consequences, including World War III, following Trump’s warnings to Russia.

 

Trying to retain influence within the United Russia party, Medvedev distanced himself from his previous liberal image. He faced accusations of building a “corruption empire” during his time as prime minister, though these claims, presented by opposition leader Alexei Navalny, were dismissed by his team as baseless, reported CNN.

 

In 2020, Medvedev’s abrupt resignation as prime minister coincided with Putin's constitutional changes cementing his power. Now, from the Security Council, Medvedev launches frequent attacks against Western leaders and Ukraine, amassing a significant following on social media platforms like Telegram and X.

 

Medvedev's fiery language extends to the Ukrainian conflict, often employing provocative imagery and rhetoric. He’s accused of employing Nazi-era symbolism, targeting Western leaders and Ukrainian officials with imagery designed to inflame tensions. Analysts suggest his statements are a key part of a broader Kremlin strategy to provoke and unsettle Western powers.

 

Observers, however, advise against taking his words at face value. The Institute for the Study of War notes his role in amplifying Kremlin narratives intended to stoke fear and uncertainty. Anatol Lieven from the Quincy Institute dismisses the current nuclear sabre-rattling as mere theatrics, asserting that the risk of actual nuclear conflict remains low.

 

Reflecting on Medvedev’s journey from president to provocateur, it’s clear he has embraced his current role with zeal, embodying the Kremlin's hardline stance in global affairs. His journey reveals a complex character now at the forefront of Russia’s confrontational messaging strategy.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-08-04

 

[dinsdale]

Stop drunken <deleted>posting, Ukraine tells top Russian official

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ‘should drink less vodka before going on Telegram,’ Ukrainian FM says.

https://www.politico.eu/article/stop-drunk-post-social-media-ukraine-russia-dmitry-medvedev-dmytro-kuleba/

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