Russia Threatens Kyiv with Devastation As Medvedev Calls It a Potential ‘Melted Spot’
Senior Russian official and ex-president Dmitry Medvedev has warned that Russia could devastate Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, with advanced non-nuclear weapons in retaliation for Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied long-range missiles.
Medvedev stated that Moscow already had a legal basis to use nuclear weapons following Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region but suggested that new Russian weapons could reduce Kyiv to a “giant melted spot” when Moscow’s patience wears thin.
New Drone Barrage Hits Ukraine, Kyiv Shoots Down 72
As Russia launched another overnight drone assault on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his call for additional air defence systems and long-range capabilities. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted 72 out of 76 Shahed drones across 12 regions, according to Ukraine’s air force.
Despite no immediate reports of casualties, drone debris caused damage to buildings in Kyiv’s Obolon district and private properties in the surrounding region.
In the southern Odessa region, several commercial buildings and homes were also damaged, sparking multiple fires. Zelensky emphasised the urgent need for more defence resources, stating, “We must strengthen our air shield to protect our people.”
Air alerts were triggered for several hours overnight across multiple regions, highlighting the sustained threat posed by Russian drone and missile attacks.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that air defence units were actively responding to the bombardments, while Ukraine’s military continues to deploy mobile drone hunter teams and electronic warfare measures to repel Russia’s persistent drone strikes.
Russia vs Ukraine War : NATO Reflects on Missed Opportunities
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg admitted that the alliance could have done more to arm Ukraine before Russia’s 2022 invasion. In an interview, Stoltenberg acknowledged that NATO’s initial reluctance to provide weapons, due to fears of escalating tensions with Moscow, may have been a missed opportunity to prevent the war.
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As Stoltenberg prepares to step down in October, he emphasised that peace in Ukraine can only be achieved through negotiations, though they must occur from a position of Ukrainian strength.
Biden and Starmer Delay Ukraine Missile Decision
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Joe Biden have postponed a decision on allowing Ukraine to fire long-range Western missiles. This follows Moscow’s warnings that such a move could lead to direct conflict with NATO.
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While the leaders discussed strategic options, further talks are planned for the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York.
Despite mounting pressure from Ukraine, Biden remains hesitant to authorise long-range U.S.-made ATACMS missiles, citing concerns over limited impact on the battlefield and the preservation of U.S. stockpiles.
North Korea Strengthens Ties with Russian Military
Meanwhile, North Korea continues to deepen its military ties with Russia. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently met with Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu, pledging greater cooperation.
Western nations across the world have accused North Korea of providing Russian forces with ammunition in defiance of international sanctions related to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Photos released by North Korean state media show Kim and Shoigu embracing, signalling the growing partnership between the two nations.
With tension rising on the international fronts, the strengthening of military cooperation between the two nations presents further challenges for Ukraine and its allies, as the conflict threatens to evolve into a more global crisis.
