Medvedev claims Russian retaliation ‘inevitable’

(MENAFN) Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday that Moscow’s retaliation for recent attacks on its territory is “inevitable”—even as diplomatic negotiations with Ukraine continue.

The comment came after suspected Ukrainian attacks on Russian railways and airfields over the weekend. Nevertheless, Russian negotiators met with their Ukrainian counterparts in Istanbul on Monday for a new round of peace talks.

In a social media post, Medvedev insisted a forceful response was forthcoming. “Our army is advancing and will continue its push forward. Whatever needs to be destroyed will be, and those responsible will be eliminated.”

The deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council described the Istanbul negotiations as a step toward “the ultimate elimination of the neo-Nazi authorities in Kiev.”

During the talks, Moscow put forward two proposals for a temporary ceasefire to allow soldiers to retrieve the bodies of the fallen. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky dismissed the proposal, insisting a pause in fighting should serve to avoid further deaths.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called Zelensky’s reaction “unfortunate” and “awkward.”

Moscow also offered to return the remains of more than 6,000 deceased Ukrainian soldiers if Kiev responded in kind with the bodies of Russian soldiers. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who heads Kiev’s delegation, agreed to this exchange. Vladimir Medinsky, a presidential aide and lead Russian negotiator, said Moscow was ready to accept all the remains in return.

Kiev recently entered direct negotiations under pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has grown frustrated with both parties and hinted the US might withdraw from its role in mediating peace talks if progress stalls.

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