Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev issued a direct death threat against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a message published on Telegram, marking a sharp escalation in the rhetoric surrounding the war. Medvedev used explicit and dehumanizing language, implying a violent death for the Ukrainian leader. His remarks left little room for interpretation and represented one of the most extreme verbal attacks from a senior Russian official since the conflict began.
Medvedev went further by suggesting that Zelensky’s preserved body should be publicly displayed in Saint Petersburg, the birthplace of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He specifically referenced the Kunstkamera, a museum founded by Tsar Peter the Great in the 18th century, known for its collection of scientific exhibits and human deformities. The comparison was widely condemned as a deliberate act of symbolic humiliation and intimidation.
The former Russian leader justified his statements by accusing Zelensky of wishing death upon “a person” during his Christmas address. According to Medvedev, the remark was clearly directed at Putin. He claimed that Zelensky not only desires the death of a single individual but of “all of us and our country,” accusing him of ordering large-scale attacks. Medvedev currently serves as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, giving his words significant political weight.
In his December 24 speech, Zelensky stated that if every Ukrainian were granted one personal wish, it would likely be “that he dies,” without naming anyone directly. Although no individual was mentioned, Moscow interpreted the statement as an unmistakable reference to Putin. Medvedev used this ambiguity to intensify his rhetoric and further escalate the political confrontation. Tensions were heightened further by Russian claims of an attempted Ukrainian drone attack on Putin’s residence.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov alleged that Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones at the presidential residence in Russia’s Novgorod region, all of which were allegedly intercepted without causing damage or casualties. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he had been briefed on the alleged incident and expressed frustration, though no independently verified evidence has been presented.
Zelensky firmly rejected the accusations, calling them a pretext to justify future Russian strikes on government buildings in Kyiv. Throughout nearly four years of war, both sides have largely avoided direct attacks against the opposing head of state. However, in the early days of Russia’s 2022 invasion, Russian special forces reportedly attempted to locate Zelensky, and Ukrainian officials claim multiple assassination plots were thwarted. Medvedev’s threats are now seen as a dangerous step toward crossing a line that had, until now, remained largely unbroken.
