Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of Russia’s Security Council and erstwhile president, has drawn global condemnation for describing the editors of the UK’s Times newspaper as “legitimate military targets.”
Medvedev’s inflammatory remarks came in response to the Times’ editorial, which justified the assassination of Lt Gen Igor Kirillov, a senior Russian military official, as a “legitimate act of defence” by Ukraine.
Medvedev’s comments, made on his Telegram channel on Wednesday, represent an escalation in Moscow’s rhetoric against Western media and governments. “Those who carry out crimes against Russia … always have accomplices. They too are now legitimate military targets. This category could also include the miserable jackals from The Times who cowardly hid behind their editorial. That means the entire leadership of the publication,” Medvedev wrote.
In a thinly veiled threat, Medvedev warned that the journalists should “be careful” because “anything goes in London.” The post has been widely interpreted as a direct threat against the safety of British journalists, prompting swift responses from the UK government and the international community.
UK Officials Condemn Medvedev’s Comments
David Lammy enjoying his morning copy of The Times
The UK’s foreign secretary, David Lammy, denounced Medvedev’s statements as a “gangster threat.”
Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Lammy said the remarks reflected Russia’s growing desperation amid its faltering military campaign in Ukraine.
“Our newspapers represent the best of British values: freedom, democracy, and independent thinking,” he wrote, sharing a photograph of himself reading the Times.
Similarly, a spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned Medvedev’s rhetoric, describing it as “desperate” and emblematic of the Kremlin’s increasing hostility toward free speech. “Unlike in Russia, a free press is a cornerstone of our democracy, and we take any threats made by Russia incredibly seriously,” the spokesperson said.
A Shift in Medvedev’s Persona
Medvedev’s vitriolic statements mark a significant departure from the image he cultivated during his presidency from 2008 to 2012. Once seen as a liberal reformer who promised modernisation and democratisation, Medvedev has since rebranded himself as one of Russia’s most hawkish and anti-Western figures. His fiery Telegram posts have become a platform for inflammatory rhetoric, often aimed at Western countries and their allies.
While some analysts view these tirades as attempts to remain politically relevant, Medvedev’s proximity to Vladimir Putin ensures his voice continues to carry weight. His recent visit to Beijing for discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping underscores his role as a key figure in Russia’s foreign policy apparatus.
Context of the Assassination
The controversy surrounding Medvedev’s remarks stems from the assassination of Lt Gen Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s military chemical, biological, and radiological weapons unit. Kirillov and his assistant were killed on Tuesday in Moscow when an explosive device attached to an e-scooter detonated. Ukraine has claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as part of its efforts to neutralise high-ranking Russian officials involved in the war against Ukraine.
Kirillov’s death represents a significant blow to Russia’s military leadership. He is the highest-ranking officer to be assassinated away from the frontlines since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago. The attack highlights Ukraine’s growing ability to strike at the heart of Moscow’s military infrastructure, further exacerbating tensions between the two nations.
Broader Implications for Journalists and Media
Medvedev’s threats have sparked concerns about the safety of journalists covering the Russia-Ukraine war and broader international issues. Since the invasion began, Moscow has banned dozens of British journalists, media representatives, and senior UK politicians from entering Russia. This latest development signals an even more aggressive stance against Western media, which has been critical of the Kremlin’s actions in Ukraine.
Press freedom advocates have warned that Medvedev’s comments could embolden attacks on journalists, both within Russia and abroad. “This kind of rhetoric is unacceptable and sets a dangerous precedent,” said a spokesperson for the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). “It is crucial for the international community to stand united in condemning threats against the press.”
Russia’s Continued Targeting of NATO and the West
In the same Telegram post, Medvedev expanded his threats to include NATO officials assisting Ukraine, calling them “a whole legion” of “legitimate military targets.” This language underscores Russia’s ongoing attempts to intimidate Western nations providing military and logistical support to Kyiv.
By targeting not only military personnel but also journalists and policymakers, Medvedev’s rhetoric seeks to blur the lines between combatants and civilians, a strategy critics argue undermines international norms.
Medvedev’s incendiary remarks against British journalists and NATO officials illustrate the Kremlin’s increasingly combative posture as it faces mounting challenges on the battlefield and growing isolation on the world stage.
His comments have not only deepened tensions between Russia and the UK but also underlined the vital importance of protecting press freedoms in the face of authoritarian threats.
