In an interview with the Russian weekly magazine Argumenty i Fakty, Medvedev, now the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, emphasized that Ukraine's NATO membership poses a significant threat to Moscow's security.

"Ukraine’s accession is not just a direct threat to Russia’s national interests. It is, in fact, a declaration of war, albeit with a delay," Medvedev stated. He underscored the gravity of the situation, suggesting that only the alliance's "prudence" could prevent a global catastrophe.

Medvedev dismissed promises made to Ukraine regarding NATO membership as "empty and false," expressing confidence that Ukraine's aspirations for full membership in the alliance will remain unfulfilled. He asserted that any peace achieved with Ukraine will be on Russian terms and through force.

The former president vowed that Russia would respond to any interference from a "hostile bloc" with "adequate counteraction." He cautioned that the determining factor in preventing a global conflict would be the prudence of the NATO alliance.

Last week, NATO leaders pledged to assist Ukraine on an “irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership.” However, they did not specify a timeline for Ukraine's potential membership. (ILKHA)