Moscow: Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, underscored the importance of the recent talks between the presidents of Russia and the US, calling them a crucial step after years of diplomatic silence. Medvedev emphasized that the communication between the two nations' leaders marks a significant development in international relations.
According to Anadolu Agency, Medvedev remarked, "The presidents of Russia and the US have talked at last. This is very important in and of itself." He criticized the previous US administration for severing high-level contacts, stating that their actions were an attempt to punish and humiliate Russia, which he believes brought the world to the brink of an apocalyptic scenario.
The dialogue between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin took place on Wednesday, with Trump announcing that they agreed to initiate negotiations to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine immediately. This marks a pivotal moment, as there had been no direct communication between Putin and former US President Joe Biden since Russia began its "special military operation" in Ukraine in February 2022. During that period, the US, along with European allies, supported Kyiv with various forms of aid against Moscow.
The phone call between Trump and Putin followed a statement by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who noted that returning to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders was unrealistic, and NATO membership for Kyiv is not seen as part of a potential settlement. Medvedev accused the US of behaving as the world's dominant power, imposing sanctions, and engaging in what he referred to as a "hybrid war" against Russia.
Medvedev highlighted that historical geopolitical crises did not lead to the same level of isolation experienced by Russia in recent years. He pointed out the necessity of maintaining dialogue, even during tense times, as exemplified by past leaders who managed crises through communication rather than isolation.
He warned of the dangers of continued confrontation and advocated for diplomacy over political isolation. Medvedev stressed the importance of recognizing the interdependent nature of the world, cautioning against the notion of any single country or entity acting as a global ruler.
Concluding his remarks, Medvedev cautioned that failure by Washington to acknowledge this reality could lead to escalating tensions. He ominously referenced the Doomsday Clock, warning that without change, the world might edge closer to disaster.