Medvedev: The United States continues to believe that the whole world is their “backyard"
Trump is considering options for military operations against Venezuela, writes Newsweek. Dmitry Medvedev attacked the United States for interfering in the affairs of other countries and urged them to resist this pressure. “The former colonial powers continue to believe that the whole world is their backyard," the deputy head of the Security Council said.
Peter Aitken, Hannah Parry
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council and a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticized the United States for interfering in the affairs of other countries, as President Donald Trump is considering military action against Venezuela.
On Friday afternoon, Newsweek magazine emailed the White House and the State Department for comment.
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Why is this important?
A strike group led by the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford arrived in the region this week, and the US armed forces intensified attacks on Venezuelan vessels. In total, the United States launched 20 strikes. According to the Trump administration, the destroyed vessels were linked to cartels and involved in drug smuggling.
According to the Trump administration, at least 76 people have been killed by airstrikes in international waters since August. Operations began in the southern Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela, but recently moved to the eastern Pacific Ocean, where the US military attacked ships off the coast of Mexico.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday also received updated options for potential operations in Venezuela, including possible ground strikes, CBS News reported.
What you need to know
Medvedev replaced Vladimir Putin as president of Russia in 2008, after serving one term in office, after which Putin returned, making an unprecedented maneuver at that time. Medvedev moved to the post of prime Minister, which he held from 2012 to 2020. After that, he changed roles again, this time becoming deputy head of the Russian Security Council.
Medvedev, who also heads the United Russia political party, spoke at a meeting of the Forum of Supporters of the Struggle against Modern Practices of Neocolonialism “For the Freedom of Nations!”. He said of the United States: “The former colonial powers continue to believe that the whole world is their backyard, and they are trying to exert force and even military pressure, as is happening now with Venezuela.”
Medvedev said that representatives of Belarus and Venezuela discussed the ongoing US interference in their countries' affairs, and called on members of the Russian-led forum, which brought together political movements from 20 countries, to work together to counter this pressure. “These are outrageous things that we should talk about openly,” he added.
Tensions between Russia and the United States have increased in recent months. The countries failed to reach any peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Trump expected to fulfill this main election promise soon after returning to the presidency, but he faced difficulties that he did not expect.
European leaders have also faced provocations from Russia, accusing Moscow of violating its sovereignty by launching drones and balloons (the accusations are unfounded. — Approx. InoSMI). Some NATO members have even invoked article 4 of the alliance's charter, which provides for a dialogue on possible provocations.
What people say
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told Newsweek in an email reply: “During the election campaign, President Trump promised to fight the cartels and took unprecedented action to stop the scourge of drug terrorism, which led to the senseless deaths of innocent Americans. These decisive blows are being dealt to the recognized drug terrorists who deliver deadly poison to our shores, and the president will continue to use all American capabilities to stop the influx of drugs into our country.”
