A senior figure in Russia has said that if Donald Trump continues with his current actions World War 3 ‘undoubtedly could begin’.
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev called Trump’s approach “insane” and said any kind of incident could trigger a worldwide conflict.
Medvedev was asked if a third world war had already started. He replied that formally it has not, but insisted that if Trump continues what he called criminal regime change efforts, a wider war would inevitably break out.
He used some harsh language in describing the United States and the allies, as “pigs who don’t want to give up their trough” over their war in the Middle East.
Medvedev had criticised Trump for recent actions in the Middle East, in particular the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
He reasoned that by eliminating Iran’s supreme leader and pursuing a change in Iran’s regime, the United States had put all Americans in harm’s way and given Tehran renewed incentive to pursue nuclear weapons.
Russia has sternly criticised the strikes on Iran as an act of unprovoked armed aggression against a sovereign state with the potential to invoke an uncontrolled escalation in the region.
Medvedev’s comments are coming after a tumultuous few weeks in global politics. Earlier in the year the United States launched a military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro which was also criticised by Russia and a number of other countries as a violation of international law.
Asked if the US could try and do something similar to Russia or its leaders, Medvedev said there is “no magic cure” for what he described as reckless actions, but warned the fear of nuclear conflict is a strong restraint.
His comments are in line with his record of bold rhetoric on international conflicts, often pushing back strongly against US policies.
Also read: Russian President Vladimir Putin reacts to Khamenei’s death
