In a lengthy and sharply worded statement published on his official Telegram channel, former Russian President and current Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, has suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could face removal from power. Medvedev framed this as a potential consequence of recent U.S. actions in Venezuela, accusing Western nations of hypocrisy and warning that the legal precedent could be applied elsewhere, including in Ukraine.
A “Classic Example of Double Standards”
Medvedev opened his statement by lambasting the European reaction to events in Venezuela, which he characterized as a “classic example of ‘double standards.’” He accused European leaders of rushing to “lick Washington’s boots” by justifying what he called an “egregious violation of international law” under the guise of supporting democracy. He dismissed talks about the illegitimacy of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro as “nonsensical,” questioning why European nations had not raised such issues previously.
A Warning to the “Kiev Clown”
The core of Medvedev’s warning was directed at Kyiv. He asserted that President Zelensky’s mandate “expired long ago,” a fact he claimed is recognized but uncontested in Europe. “There is no legitimate government or president in Ukraine,” Medvedev wrote, adding pointedly, “His removal is something that could happen in the near future.”
He further escalated the rhetoric by labeling Zelensky a “junkie buffoon” and his government a “ragtag gang” who are “prime suspects for a drug investigation.” Medvedev then explicitly connected the situations, stating, “After the Maduro ‘precedent,’ the Yanks could use the same tactic against the Banderite bastards. It would be more justified anyway.”
Broader Warnings to Europe
Medvedev expanded his warning beyond Ukraine, posing a series of rhetorical questions about whether other U.S. allies should be concerned. He specifically mentioned Greenland and Denmark, asking if their interests could make them a target. He even speculated about a hypothetical “special operation” against a German leader, suggesting that “the capture, say, of neo-Nazi Merz could be a fabulous twist.”
He argued that the “kidnapping of an elected head of state” sets a dangerous precedent, demonstrating that “no country which in some way has caused the displeasure of the US can feel safe.” He concluded that if such actions were taken against a stronger nation, they would “lead to an unequivocal declaration of war.”
Justification as “The Law of the Strongest”
While condemning U.S. actions as illegal, Medvedev admitted they were “somewhat consistent” with American pursuit of national interests, which he defined as political control over Latin America and access to resources like oil. He accused the U.S. of a longstanding desire to “grab other people’s stuff,” citing former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and claiming U.S. interest in Ukrainian rare earth minerals.
He endorsed Maduro’s claim that the objective is “to pocket Venezuelan oil,” calling it a case of “lex fortissimum, or the law of the strongest.” Medvedev ended by suggesting the capture of Maduro would fuel anti-American sentiment in Latin America and reiterated that few geopolitical surprises are impossible anymore.
