Medvedev Doubts US Role as Conflict Mediator

Former President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday that the United States is unlikely to serve as an effective mediator in international conflicts. This statement contrasts with the Kremlin’s official line that the US is playing a valuable role in seeking peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Medvedev told an audience at an educational forum, “It is hardly possible to consider that a country which kidnaps presidents and starts conflicts just like that can act as an effective mediator in all situations.” He referred to incidents such as the Iran war and the US special forces operation ordered by President Donald Trump to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Despite this criticism of the US role, Medvedev acknowledged that Trump’s administration was making efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. In contrast, he said, Joe Biden’s administration did not make similar efforts.

Medvedev also mentioned that 450,000 people have signed contracts to join the Russian armed forces in 2025 and 127,000 so far this year. This shift from compulsory mobilization in 2022 to relying on professional soldiers reflects Russia’s ongoing struggle with the war in Ukraine, which is now in its fifth year.

According to a joint investigative project between Mediazona and the BBC Russian service, at least 213,858 Russian military deaths have been confirmed as of last week.