The UK government has in strong words, condemned what it describes as a “gangster threat” from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev, who is currently the deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, had issued a warning to journalists at The Times newspaper, labeling them as “legitimate military targets” following their coverage of the assassination of Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s chemical weapons division.
The controversy had begun when The Times published an editorial referring to Kirillov’s killing as a “legitimate act of defence” by Ukraine. The editorial alleged that Kirillov was responsible for numerous chemical attacks on Ukrainian forces. But in response, Medvedev took to Telegram, stating that the newspaper’s senior staff were now considered legitimate targets, calling them “lousy jackals” hiding behind their editorial.
UK officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have all denounced Medvedev’s comments. Starmer had even harped on the importance of a free press as a cornerstone of democracy and assured citizens that the UK takes any threats from Russia very seriously.
Lammy also described Medvedev’s remarks as “desperate rhetoric” and reiterated the UK’s commitment to protecting its citizens and defending press freedom.
The incident has further strained relations between the UK and Russia, with The Times reporting that several of its journalists have already been banned from entering Russia. Medvedev’s threats also extended to NATO figures providing military assistance to Ukraine, suggesting they too could be considered legitimate military targets.
As tensions continue to mount, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO leaders in Brussels to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine.
This meeting comes ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
