Key Takeaways:
- Trump Responds to Medvedev: After the former Russian president mocked Trump’s Ukraine ceasefire deadline, Trump warned him he’s “entering very dangerous territory.”
- Trade Pressure Builds: Trump threatened a 25% tariff on India for buying Russian oil and weapons, calling both countries’ economies “dead” and overprotected.
- Sanctions Incoming: Trump hinted that sanctions on Russia could begin within 10–12 days if the Kremlin fails to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.
President Donald Trump isn’t mincing words when it comes to Russian officials criticizing his foreign policy. In a fiery Truth Social post early Thursday, Trump torched former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, warning him to “watch his words” after Medvedev accused the U.S. of playing a dangerous game of ultimatums.
“Tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!” Trump wrote. And in true Trump fashion, he didn’t stop there.
“I don’t care what India does with Russia,” Trump added. “They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care… Their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World.”
Since returning to office in January, Trump has made clear he wants the Russia-Ukraine war over—fast. His administration has pressed both sides for a ceasefire, even giving them a 50-day deadline earlier this month to strike a deal or face intensified sanctions. That timeline puts pressure squarely on the Kremlin and its allies, including India.
Trump also warned this week that India could face a 25% tariff for purchasing Russian oil and military equipment, and hinted he may impose sanctions on Russia within the next 10 to 12 days.
Medvedev’s response? A thinly veiled threat. “Trump’s playing the ultimatum game… He should remember: Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran,” he posted on X. “Each new ultimatum is a step toward war… Don’t go down the Sleepy Joe road!”
Trump’s message is clear: America leads through strength, not submission. While global elites wring their hands over diplomacy, Trump is bringing economic pressure and strategic clarity back to the table. Medvedev and company would do well to listen—before the tariffs, and the consequences, hit home.