In a fiery speech delivered at a youth festival in Sochi, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, boldly declared that Ukraine is an integral part of Russia. He ruled out any possibility of peace talks with the current Ukrainian leadership and vowed to continue what Russia calls its "special military operation" until Ukraine surrenders.

Speaking in front of a map depicting Ukraine as a significantly reduced landlocked territory squeezed against Poland, Medvedev proclaimed that historical parts of Russia should "return home." He received applause from the audience as he asserted that Ukraine is "definitely Russia," dismissing any notion that the two nations are separate entities.

Medvedev categorically stated that peace negotiations would not be feasible with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his government. Instead, he asserted that any future Ukrainian administration seeking talks would first have to acknowledge what he described as the "new reality on the ground."

Addressing the deteriorating East-West relations, Medvedev made a startling claim, accusing US special forces and military advisers of waging a war against Russia. He further expressed that the current Moscow-Washington ties are worse than during the infamous Cuban missile crisis of 1962.

In the midst of escalating tensions, Medvedev joined several voices within the Kremlin in accusing Western countries of involvement in the war in Ukraine. This comes after a wiretap recording of German military officials discussing the potential use of German-made Taurus missiles by Ukraine was published on Russian social media. The conversation allegedly included references to targeting the Kerch Bridge, a crucial link between mainland Russia and the annexed region of Crimea.

Responding to these revelations, Medvedev took to Telegram to criticize the German military, claiming that the country was preparing to launch an attack against Russia.

The statements made by Medvedev highlight the deepening complexities and entrenched positions that continue to hinder the prospects of peaceful resolution in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The international community remains concerned over the escalating tensions and the possibility of further violence in the region.