Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev has once again stirred global attention, this time with a mix of praise, sarcasm, and warning, speaking from Moscow, the former Russian president and current deputy head of Russia’s Security Council offered kind words for U.S. President Donald Trump, while openly mocking Washington’s claim about moving nuclear submarines closer to Russia.
The comments come at a sensitive time, with talks on ending the Ukraine war expected to resume soon and tensions still high between Russia and the West.
Praise Where No One Expected It
Medvedev described Trump as a leader who genuinely wants peace. This is not the language many expected from a senior Russian official, especially one known for harsh words against the United States in recent years.
According to Medvedev, Trump’s desire to be remembered as a peacemaker is real, not just political talk. He said Trump is trying to end the war in Ukraine and that contacts between Moscow and Washington have improved since Trump returned to office.
He also defended Trump against long-standing claims and jokes in the West that he is somehow controlled by Russia. Medvedev said Americans chose Trump themselves and that Russia respects that choice.
Chaos, But With a Plan
Medvedev pushed back against the idea that Trump rules through confusion. While admitting that Trump is emotional and sometimes brash, he argued that there is clear thinking behind his actions.
In Medvedev’s view, Trump’s business background explains his style. He suggested that Trump’s moves may look chaotic on the surface, but are guided by purpose. This, he said, is why talks with the U.S. have become more productive.
It was a rare moment where a Russian hardliner framed a U.S. president as rational and deliberate, rather than reckless.
The Submarine Joke
Where Medvedev changed tone was on Trump’s claim about U.S. nuclear submarines. Trump had earlier said he ordered two submarines closer to Russian shores in response to what he saw as provocative comments from Medvedev.
Medvedev brushed this off with sarcasm, saying Russia has seen no sign of these submarines. “We still have not found them,” he said, turning a serious nuclear issue into a public jab.
This mockery matters. It suggests Moscow is not taking the threat seriously, or at least does not want to appear intimidated. At the same time, joking about nuclear weapons shows how dangerous the current global mood has become.
Ukraine War and The Victory Claim
Medvedev said Russia would win the war in Ukraine “soon.” This is a familiar line from Moscow, even as the war drags on and neither side has achieved total control.
He stressed that winning should not lead to more conflict. According to him, the real goal is to stop future wars, not just defeat Ukraine. This framing tries to paint Russia as thinking beyond the battlefield, even while fighting continues.
Russia still controls a large part of Ukrainian territory, but has not achieved its full aims in the east. Medvedev’s confidence sounds more political than factual, meant to reassure supporters at home.
On one hand, there is praise, talk of peace, and improved dialogue. On the other hand, there is sarcasm, nuclear language, and an ongoing war.
Medvedev’s words show Russia testing a new tone with Washington under Trump, while still keeping its guard up. The praise may be strategic, but the mockery reminds everyone that trust is still very thin.
