Medvedev Warns NATO: It’s Time to Learn Russian and Prepare for the ‘Siberian Camps’
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has once again drawn international attention with his sharp comments regarding the future strategies of NATO. Responding to an interview with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who expressed concerns that Russia might use military force to defend its interests amid tensions with China, Medvedev delivered a stern critique of the situation. He humorously suggested that Rutte, perhaps having overindulged in «magic mushrooms»—a popular delicacy in the Netherlands—should consider learning the Russian language. Medvedev implied that such knowledge could be useful in future «Siberian camps» that the Kremlin might organize for «defenders of national interests». In his post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Medvedev also warned that if NATO members do not increase their defense spending, they will be unable to protect themselves effectively. «Then, learning Russian will become an essential skill,» he emphasized. Previously, Medvedev had issued threats of a Third World War if Western countries continued their confrontational policies. He also accused the European Union of turning into a «politicized Russophobic organization seeking to take revenge on Russia». These statements only heighten the existing tensions in an already strained international diplomatic landscape, raising concerns about future security developments worldwide.