Dmitry Medvedev has sparked controversy by advocating for a "maximum reward" for anyone who kills NATO fighters in Ukraine. In a recent social media post, he painted a scenario where NATO might send troops to support Kyiv, likening them to "Hitler's SS punishers" and suggesting their bodies should be left on the battlefield.
The former Russian President launched a scathing verbal assault against NATO, calling for a bounty on any Western troops entering Ukraine.
He stated, "And there can only be one rule for these overseas lice, who, unlike the unfortunate Ukrainians, were not forced to go to war: no prisoners taken!"
Medvedev's remarks included scenarios of NATO deploying troops and special forces in Western Ukraine, which he described as being for "housekeeping and organizing; training." He criticized NATO as "brazen brutes who hold all the world for fools!"
The Russian official portrayed any NATO forces in Ukraine as part of the "regular forces" fighting against Moscow, suggesting they should be treated as enemies, specifically comparing them to "Hitler's SS punishers."
Medvedev's rhetoric aligns with Kremlin talking points, including accusations that Ukraine is a Nazi-ruled state and warnings of a third world war and nuclear catastrophe if NATO escalates tensions.
He has been staunchly pro-war since the invasion began, advocating for aggressive actions such as firing a hypersonic missile at the Hague over an arrest warrant issued against Putin.
While NATO leaders say they have not officially deployed combat troops in Ukraine, there have been hints and leaks suggesting otherwise. Some NATO members, like French President Emmanuel Macron, have hinted at the possibility of deploying troops.
However, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that there are no plans to have NATO combat troops inside Ukraine, and no American troops have been involved in combat in Ukraine.
Despite assertions by some officials, including Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski, that NATO troops are present in Ukraine, the extent and purpose of their presence remain unclear.
Medvedev has particularly reacted to Macron's comments on NATO potentially joining the fight, criticizing him vehemently on social media.
Medvedev's current aggressive stance marks a departure from his time as president of Russia from 2008 to 2012, leading some observers to speculate that he may be overcompensating with his rhetoric to curry favor with Putin.