In a dramatic escalation of global tensions, a top Russian security official has issued a stark nuclear warning to the United States following its military operation in Venezuela. The statement, which concludes with the chilling phrase "Long live nuclear weapons," has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles worldwide.
Medvedev's Blistering Condemnation of US Action
The provocative declaration came from Dmitry Medvedev, a senior Russian security official and a close ally of President Vladimir Putin. His statement, released on January 4, 2026, was a direct response to the confirmed US strike and capture operation targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Medvedev condemned Washington's actions in the strongest possible terms, accusing the United States of the abduction of a legally elected leader. He argued that the move demonstrated a complete disregard for established international law and marked the failure of diplomatic channels. The core of his message was a grim assessment of the current world order, where he claimed only raw military power can guarantee a nation's sovereignty.
The Veiled Nuclear Threat and Its Global Implications
The most alarming part of Medvedev's communiqué was its conclusion. By stating "Long live nuclear weapons," the former Russian president is widely seen to have issued a veiled warning not just to the United States, but also to its allies. The implication is clear: in a world where superpowers bypass diplomacy, the ultimate deterrent is a formidable nuclear arsenal.
This rhetoric represents a significant hardening of Russia's position and suggests a potential shift in its strategic posture. The statement frames the Venezuela incident not as an isolated event, but as a precedent that justifies the maintenance and celebration of maximum military strength, including weapons of mass destruction.
Context of the US Operation in Venezuela
Medvedev's warning follows reports of a swift and decisive US military intervention in Caracas. According to earlier news, the operation involved Delta Force troops and resulted in the capture of President Maduro and his wife. Videos and reports depicted US Marines and tanks on the streets of the Venezuelan capital, while the Trump administration hailed the mission as a "brilliant op."
In response, Venezuela has reportedly activated its defence command and demanded proof of life for its captured president. The situation remains fluid and highly volatile, with Medvedev's nuclear rhetoric adding an unprecedented layer of global risk to the regional crisis.
The international community now watches anxiously as this high-stakes confrontation unfolds, with Medvedev's words serving as a stark reminder of the dangerous new phase in great power rivalry.
