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Attack Russia and be reduced to a ‘stain’ – Medvedev | Attack Russia and be reduced to a ‘stain’ – Medvedev |
(about 20 hours later) | |
Small NATO states that make threats should remember Moscow’s nuclear deterrent, the former president has said | Small NATO states that make threats should remember Moscow’s nuclear deterrent, the former president has said |
Small NATO members who dream about attacking Russia should know Article 5 is not effective against tactical nuclear weapons, the deputy head of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, has said. | Small NATO members who dream about attacking Russia should know Article 5 is not effective against tactical nuclear weapons, the deputy head of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, has said. |
The former Russian president and prime minister was commenting on recent statements by Estonia’s top general about “preemptive” strikes on Russia in the service of NATO objectives. | The former Russian president and prime minister was commenting on recent statements by Estonia’s top general about “preemptive” strikes on Russia in the service of NATO objectives. |
“The sillier the state, the greater the arrogance of its individual, insane leaders,” Medvedev told reporters on Friday. “People should take into account only one thing: should Russia use, say, tactical nuclear weapons against a state that allows itself such statements, nothing but a stain will remain.” | “The sillier the state, the greater the arrogance of its individual, insane leaders,” Medvedev told reporters on Friday. “People should take into account only one thing: should Russia use, say, tactical nuclear weapons against a state that allows itself such statements, nothing but a stain will remain.” |
Estonia could deliver “the first blow” in case of a perceived threat from Russia, Major General Vahur Karus, the chief of the Joint Headquarters of the Estonian Defense Forces, told Vikerraadio in mid-September. “We cannot just wait around to be hit with a sledgehammer and need to be able to do some things first,” he said, adding that his nation’s “deep strike capability is fully a part of NATO plans today.” | |
According to the general, Tallinn could have to “take care of certain targets” to give other NATO members time to “come and take the next steps.” | |
“Sure, Article 5 of the Washington Treaty may apply, but the state will no longer exist,” Medvedev added, referring to NATO’s famous mutual defense provision. | “Sure, Article 5 of the Washington Treaty may apply, but the state will no longer exist,” Medvedev added, referring to NATO’s famous mutual defense provision. |
Medvedev spoke at the Kapustin Yar missile range in Astrakhan Region, the site where the Russian Air Force tests cutting-edge rocket technology. | Medvedev spoke at the Kapustin Yar missile range in Astrakhan Region, the site where the Russian Air Force tests cutting-edge rocket technology. |
Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled changes to Moscow’s nuclear doctrine at a meeting of the nation’s Security Council, with Medvedev in attendance. Widely regarded as a message to the US and its allies, as well as Ukraine, the updated doctrine would allow Russia to deploy its nuclear deterrent in case of a conventional attack by a state that is backed by a nuclear power. | Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled changes to Moscow’s nuclear doctrine at a meeting of the nation’s Security Council, with Medvedev in attendance. Widely regarded as a message to the US and its allies, as well as Ukraine, the updated doctrine would allow Russia to deploy its nuclear deterrent in case of a conventional attack by a state that is backed by a nuclear power. |
The head of the Estonian General Staff, Major General Vahur Karus, said last week that new NATO contingency plans for a conflict with Moscow envisioned the Baltic state launching a strike across the border. | The head of the Estonian General Staff, Major General Vahur Karus, said last week that new NATO contingency plans for a conflict with Moscow envisioned the Baltic state launching a strike across the border. |
”Our long-range strike capabilities are fully taken into account in NATO plans, and NATO tells us that we have to take care of certain targets [in Russia], and that’s when they can come [to Estonia] and take the next steps,” Karus told the Estonian state broadcaster ERR. | ”Our long-range strike capabilities are fully taken into account in NATO plans, and NATO tells us that we have to take care of certain targets [in Russia], and that’s when they can come [to Estonia] and take the next steps,” Karus told the Estonian state broadcaster ERR. |
Karus described the new mission as a “fundamental change” to Estonia’s military doctrine, noting that prior to the Ukraine conflict the US-led bloc expected the Baltic state to hold out for about 10 days before it could get NATO reinforcements. | Karus described the new mission as a “fundamental change” to Estonia’s military doctrine, noting that prior to the Ukraine conflict the US-led bloc expected the Baltic state to hold out for about 10 days before it could get NATO reinforcements. |
The former Soviet republic joined the organization in 2004 and has been one of the most vocal supporters of Ukraine in the conflict with Russia. | The former Soviet republic joined the organization in 2004 and has been one of the most vocal supporters of Ukraine in the conflict with Russia. |