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Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev warned on Thursday that "nuclear apocalypse is genuinely possible" and those who did not recognize this were "fantasists or fools."
He added that Russia's conflict with the West was "existential in character" and that the Europe-Russia rift would "not disappear within the lifetime of the current generation." He made these comments while comparing the current global situation to the pre-WWI era and the 1930s that preceded World War II.
"Nuclear apocalypse is genuinely possible. Those who do not recognize this are fantasists or fools. We do not want it to happen. However, such a scenario must not be ignored. We must be prepared for it. For this purpose, our country has nuclear strategic forces. These forces are supported and prepared," Medvedev said.
"I am often criticized for using harsh rhetoric and speaking of nuclear apocalypse. But unfortunately, it is genuinely possible. We would very much not want this," he added.
Medvedev launched a harsh attack on the European leadership, stating, "Europe and the European Union are being run by idiots. They are destroying what was built over the years since the EU's transformation from a coal and steel union to a modern union."
"These are narrow-minded people who are extremely unconstructive and talk about war with Russia," he added.
He said Russia's conflict with the West was "existential in character" and that "the conflict with Europe will not disappear within the lifetime of the current generation."
"If every day it is said that a war with Russia is inevitable, the war will start. There can be enough grounds and reasons for it. That is why politicians need to calm down and engage in constructive dialogue," Medvedev added.
He said Russia had no aggressive plans toward Europe and denied intending to attack the continent, while also noting "local conflicts often precede, unfortunately, global conflicts."
Medvedev drew several historical parallels, noting, "Our special military operation is ongoing. This is a war. Very often, a local conflict precedes, unfortunately, a global conflict."
"That is why today's events are similar to the period before World War I and somewhat to the 1930s, which preceded World War II. During those periods, too, the process of militarizing Europe was continuing," he added.
On the United States, Medvedev offered a more measured assessment, stating, "Americans are more pragmatic than Europeans. Americans look at our relations from a pragmatic perspective. This strengthens our confidence that relations with them can be developed. Americans always want to make money. Relations can be built within this framework. In this sense, our relations with the current U.S. administration and Trump are pragmatic. That is very good."
However, he added that the U.S. remained Russia's "main geopolitical rival."
He also questioned Washington's mediation credibility, saying, "It is not possible that a country that kidnaps heads of state and starts conflicts is an effective mediator," referring to the U.S. detention of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.
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