Russia Warns of Preemptive Strikes as NATO Rushes Patriot Missiles to Ukraine

In a chilling escalation of tensions, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has called for preemptive strikes against the West, as the U.S. and NATO scramble to bolster Ukraine's defenses with Patriot missile systems. Medvedev, now deputy chair of Russia’s security council, dismissed Western rhetoric as 'nonsense' and urged Moscow to respond decisively to what he labels a 'full-scale war' disguised as proxy conflict.

This fiery rhetoric comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s bold moves, including a 100% tariff on nations buying Russian oil unless the Kremlin agrees to peace with Ukraine within 50 days. Trump also confirmed that Patriot missiles are already en route, reportedly through Germany, though Berlin’s defense ministry seemed caught off guard, unable to confirm any shipments. Meanwhile, Switzerland, a non-NATO nation, revealed delays in its own Patriot deliveries as the U.S. prioritizes Ukraine’s urgent needs.

Medvedev’s threats paint a stark picture of East-West relations, accusing NATO of militarizing Europe through missile deployments and sanctions. On the other side, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced frustration over the 50-day ultimatum, emphasizing that each day of delay means more lives lost. 'Fifty days, for us, is just—every day is scary,' he said, urging faster and tougher sanctions on Russia.

As NATO gears up for a critical meeting to iron out delivery details, the global chessboard grows ever more tense. Trump’s actions mark his first major push against Vladimir Putin’s war machine since taking office, but skepticism lingers among EU leaders and Zelenskyy about whether the timeline and measures will force Moscow’s hand. The world watches as words of war collide with weapons of defense.