Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sharply condemned European leadership, describing those in charge of the European Union as a “gang of madmen” and “lunatics” who are deliberately undermining their own continent’s economic foundations in pursuit of anti-Russian policies.
In an interview, when asked if European countries continue to surprise him with their behavior, Medvedev replied, “You know, Lena, many things surprise me, but Europe surprised me the most—deeply—because Europe, through its own actions, is undermining the foundations of its own existence. It’s simply astonishing.”
JUST IN: 🇷🇺 Russia's Dmitry Medvedev says Europe is run by a gang of lunatics. pic.twitter.com/Eni0niENV9
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“Overall, I have the feeling that power in Europe has been seized by a gang of madmen who stand at the head of the European Union. And yet in America there are checks and balances and even accusations that someone is some kind of agent—but here it looks like some kind of gang of lunatics, or people who are absolutely inadequate and incompetent, including those responsible for international affairs and the leadership of the EU, or those who are deliberately harming their own countries that put them in power.”
He argued that while Europe may disapprove of Russia’s political system or leaders, its efforts to harm Russia for narrow political gains come at the expense of its own prosperity. “Europe may dislike Russia’s political system or Russia’s leaders—that is their right. But when, in order to achieve some essentially personal or narrow political goals, they destroy the foundation of their own economic well-being just to punish Russia, that is parasitic behavior.” Medvedev pointed to the consequences of severed energy ties and restricted supplies of raw materials and goods, including agricultural products, which have driven up prices and inflation across the continent. “We all know what happened with energy, and with the supply of a whole range of other raw materials and goods, including agricultural products, in Europe. Prices are rising, inflation is rising, there are many problems. And all of this just to spite Russia, and on the other hand to demonstrate some kind of solidarity with Ukraine.”
He asserted that these measures have failed to achieve their aims and have only worsened Europe’s situation. “They have achieved nothing. The situation is only getting worse.” Medvedev noted that some countries have begun to recognize the self-harm in this approach, but the overall direction persists.
Pressed on whether Finland, in particular, might feel inclined to escalate tensions, Medvedev broadened his critique to the EU’s leadership. “Overall, I have the feeling that power in Europe has been seized by a gang of madmen who stand at the head of the European Union.” He contrasted this with the United States, where checks and balances exist, even amid accusations of foreign influence. “And yet in America there are checks and balances and even accusations that someone is some kind of agent—but here it looks like some kind of gang of lunatics, or people who are absolutely inadequate and incompetent, including those responsible for international affairs and the leadership of the EU, or those who are deliberately harming their own countries that put them in power.”
Medvedev cited public opinion data, including a survey referenced by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán indicating that 75 percent of the EU population opposes rapid Ukrainian accession to the bloc. “Practically every statement—Orbán said that 75% of the population of the European Union is against it. This is a sociological survey, completely open, absolutely representative and reliable—against, for example, quickly accepting Ukraine into the EU. But no, the leadership of the European Union does not consider this to matter at all.”
He accused EU leaders of prioritizing a strategic defeat of Russia in the ongoing conflict and satisfying personal ambitions over the will of their citizens. “They push their own line—a line aimed at inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia because of the conflict that has arisen, and at satisfying their own political ambitions.” Medvedev also warned that continuing this path would lead to a grim outcome. “I think that sooner or later all of this will end very sadly.”
The remarks reflect ongoing friction stemming from Europe’s sustained sanctions on Russia, including phased bans on Russian energy imports, tightened oil price caps, and efforts to reduce dependency on Russian gas and oil. These measures, part of broader responses to the war in Ukraine, have contributed to elevated energy costs and inflationary pressures in Europe, even as the EU advances plans to prohibit remaining Russian gas and oil imports by 2027. Medvedev’s comments align with Russian narratives portraying Western policies as self-defeating and driven by irrational hostility.
