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() — President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of “playing with fire” for refusing to fully engage in peace negotiations on a ceasefire deal in the war with Ukraine.
On social media Tuesday, Trump claimed his leadership has prevented “really bad things” from happening in Russia.
“What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened in Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire,” Trump said.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chief of Russia’s security council, dismissed Trump’s remarks with an ominous response to Washington.
“Regarding Trump’s words about Putin ‘playing with fire’ and ‘really bad things’ happening to Russia. I only know of one REALLY BAD thing WWIII. I hope Trump understands this,” Medvedev wrote in response.
On Wednesday, Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, called Medvedev’s statement “reckless.”
“Stoking fears of WW III is an unfortunate, reckless comment… and unfitting of a world power,” Kellogg said on social media.
Russia to announce next round of negotiations soon
Putin reportedly told Trump during a phone call last week that Russia was prepared to work with Ukraine on a draft memorandum outlining a ceasefire framework.
Kellogg said Washington is awaiting Russia’s draft of the agreement. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the next round of talks would be announced soon.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering neutral venues such as Turkey, the Vatican or Switzerland for peace negotiations, though no location has been finalized.
Ukrainian drones hit Russia overnight
Tensions continued to escalate on the ground Wednesday. Over the last three days, Russia has launched more than 900 drones into Ukrainian territory, according to estimates from officials in Kyiv.
In response, Ukraine returned fire with drone strikes at Russia overnight. The counterattacks followed Germany’s recent decision to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles.
More than 50,000 Ukrainian troops are now stationed near the border, signaling that an end to the fighting is not yet in sight.
As tensions rise, has confirmed Trump is weighing a potential response, including new sanctions against Russia. The White House told that sanctions remain very much on the table.
