Dmitry Medvedev: Russia's Robin to Putin's Batman
The 59-year-old, who served as head of state between 2008 and 2012, sought "friendly" ties with Europe and the United States during his single term but faded into obscurity after handing the post back to President Vladimir Putin.
Demoted to prime minister in 2012 and then made deputy head of Russia's security council in 2020 – a largely advisory role – Medvedev began espousing hardline views on social media shortly after Moscow launched its Ukraine offensive.
In public statements since the conflict began he has used harsh words to describe Westerners and declared that "Ukraine is, of course, Russia" and raised the possibility of using nuclear weapons against Russia's enemies.
In June, after the US launched air strikes on nuclear facilities in Moscow-allied Iran, Medvedev suggested that "a number of countries" were willing to provide Teheran with nuclear warheads, prompting an angry Trump to accuse him of "casually" threatening a nuclear strike.
On Thursday, Medvedev alluded to Moscow's semi-automatic "Dead Hand" nuclear arms control system in a Telegram post criticising Trump.
Medvedev's critics have derided his posts as an attempt to retain political relevance in Russia's crowded elite circles, but Trump has taken the threats seriously.
"Based on the highly provocative statements," Trump said Friday, "I have ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that."
Medvedev's often incendiary posts contrast sharply with his public image in office, when he declared Russia did not want confrontation with "any country" as part of his foreign policy doctrine.
In 2010, he signed a nuclear arms reduction treaty with US President Barack Obama, while in 2011 he brought Russia into the World Trade Organisation after 18 years of negotiations.
On his watch, Moscow also abstained in a key UN Security Council vote on Libya in 2011 that paved the way for a Nato-led military intervention, a decision Putin has relentlessly criticised since.
But it was always clear who was the senior partner in a pairing dubbed Batman and Robin by a secret US cable.
Medvedev's first act after winning a 2008 presidential election on the back of Putin's support was to appoint the Russian strongman as prime minister, giving Putin broad decision-making power.
While some in the West greeted Medvedev's arrival, others saw him as simply a placeholder for Putin, who was able to circumvent constitutional term limits and remain in de facto power.
In 2008 Russia sent troops into Georgia, fracturing relations with the West, a decision that Medvedev insisted he made but that a top general claimed was planned by Putin before Medvedev was even inaugurated.
His trademark modernisation programme was marked by bold statements but was also mercilessly mocked by commentators for being short on actions as Putin held real power.
Medvedev, born in Putin's home town of Leningrad, owes his entire political career to the former KGB agent.
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Borneo Post
41 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
Malaysia's decisive diplomacy puts the breaks on Thailand-Cambodia border conflict
Anwar (centre) join hands with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (left) and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai following the announcement of the ceasefire on July 28 at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya. – Bernama Photo KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 4): As tensions boiled along the Thailand-Cambodia border threatened to spiral into a bigger regional crisis, Malaysia emerged as an unexpected yet effective mediator. Amid growing instability, it was Malaysia under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that succeeded in halting the violence and delivering a ceasefire agreement on July 28 through a strategy rooted in diplomacy, neutrality, and regional solidarity. 'Malaysia stepped in not only because of its position as ASEAN Chair, but because the situation demanded immediate and impartial mediation,' said Associate Professor Dr. Syahruddin Awang Ahmad, Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation and Commercialisation), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Universiti Malaysia Sabah. 'The humanitarian toll and the risk of regional contagion left no room for delay.' Syahruddin Awang Ahmad The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, rooted in an unresolved 817-kilometre border dispute, escalated rapidly in the Samraong region. In just four days, the conflict had claimed over 30 lives and displaced close to 200,000 people, raising alarm across Southeast Asia and beyond. Malaysia's timely and decisive intervention not only averted further bloodshed but also demonstrated ASEAN's capacity to respond to internal disputes when led with vision and commitment. Recognising the potential for further destabilisation, Anwar initiated a series of quiet but high-stakes diplomatic engagements that culminated in face-to-face talks in Kuala Lumpur. Both Cambodian and Thai leaders agreed to the discussions which acts as a testament to the credibility and neutrality Malaysia brought to the table. While Malaysia's intervention was rooted in protocol, it was Anwar's personal leadership that proved decisive. Known for his diplomatic acuity and calm demeanour, Anwar approached the crisis with characteristic restraint, clarity, and moral authority. 'His capability, composure, and statesmanship stood out at a moment when most leaders might have retreated into silence or hesitated,' Dr. Syahruddin noted. 'This was a masterclass in how to de-escalate through diplomacy, not force.' The diplomatic breakthrough formalised through a ceasefire agreement has reinforced Malaysia's reputation as a credible interlocutor and placed ASEAN's collective voice back at the centre of regional peace efforts. It also affirmed Malaysia's long-standing belief that conflicts within Southeast Asia must be resolved through regional mechanisms, not external arbitration. While the United States had earlier issued a public call for restraint, Malaysia's actions were not a by-product of Western pressure. Instead, they aligned with ASEAN's foundational principles of non-interference and consensus-based diplomacy resembling values that many believed had become obsolete in the face of modern geopolitical realities. 'Anwar's mediation efforts were clearly grounded in ASEAN priorities,' said Dr. Syahruddin. 'Malaysia worked within the ASEAN framework, coordinating with the ASEAN Secretariat, other member states, and relevant institutions. This was ASEAN centrality in action.' Malaysia's neutrality, especially when compared to U.S.-aligned members such as the Philippines, enabled it to engage both Thailand and Cambodia with credibility. That neutrality also reinforced its role as an impartial convener, allowing both sides to enter discussions without political loss or international scrutiny. More importantly, Malaysia's intervention did not stop at securing a ceasefire. Anwar signalled his intention to send a reconnaissance team to the affected areas to ensure the continued observance of the agreement and to monitor humanitarian conditions on the ground. 'Such measures reflect a long-term commitment to peacebuilding, not just peacekeeping,' Dr. Syahruddin remarked. 'PM Anwar's foresight shows that sustainable peace requires follow-through including monitoring, confidence-building, and ongoing dialogue.' By proposing post-conflict monitoring, Malaysia is laying the groundwork for institutional responses to future tensions, potentially led by ASEAN entities such as the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR) or the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). Malaysia's handling of the crisis could well serve as a blueprint for future ASEAN-led conflict mediation. In a region often criticised for its 'soft' diplomatic posture, Malaysia demonstrated that proactive engagement when anchored in neutrality and guided by leadership can yield real results. 'Malaysia's success presents a valuable mechanism for the region,' said Dr. Syahruddin. 'It shows that ASEAN's principle of non-interference does not equate to inaction. Instead, it can be recalibrated to foster quiet, effective diplomacy.' The episode also underscores the importance of leadership within ASEAN itself. While the 2025 ASEAN Chair, Laos, maintained a limited public role, Malaysia's willingness to step into the gap shows that middle-power states within ASEAN can and should take initiative when circumstances require. The broader lesson for ASEAN is clear that internal cohesion and proactive diplomacy must become the norm, not the exception. In an era where regional security challenges are increasingly complex, Malaysia's example reveals that ASEAN does not need to rely on external powers to manage internal conflicts. 'PMX's success in this mediation effort elevates ASEAN as a respected and unified voice on the global stage,' said Dr. Syahruddin. 'It reminds the world and ASEAN citizens that regional peace is possible when we take ownership of our challenges.' While the conflict along the Thailand-Cambodia border may continue to require careful monitoring, Malaysia's diplomatic intervention represents a pivotal moment in Southeast Asia's regional history. Anwar's calm leadership and principled diplomacy not only halted a dangerous escalation but also reaffirmed Malaysia's and ASEAN's role as a capable peace broker. Anwar Ibrahim asean cambodia Thailand
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Laos diversifies into nuclear energy with Russian support
FILE PHOTO: Aerial photo taken on July 31, 2020 shows the construction site of the Nam Theun 1 hydropower project in Borikhamxay Province, Laos. Laos aims to diversify power sources, instead of relying heavily on hydropower- Sinohydro 3/Hangout via Xinhua VIENTIANE: Laos is looking to Russian nuclear energy technology to boost its domestic power sector - a vital source of revenue for the landlocked nation. The two governments agreed to sign a roadmap to develop Laos's nuclear energy during Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith's visit to Moscow recently, along with several other bilateral agreements. "One of them is a roadmap for cooperation in the nuclear sector between the Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Laos,' Russian News Agency TASS reported, but no further details were revealed. The Moscow-headquartered Rosatom is the world leader in nuclear energy production. Vientiane Times on Monday (Aug 4) reported that both parties signed the agreement to pursue the nuclear energy programme. "This comes at a time when Laos seeks to harness the peaceful use of nuclear energy to diversify power sources, instead of relying heavily on hydropower,' said the English daily. At least 80 per cent of electricity is produced by hydropower plants. The Lao economy is largely driven by agriculture, tourism, electricity generation, mining, manufacturing and transport sectors. The energy diversification also comes at a crucial time after the United States imposed a 40 per cent tariff on Laos' exports into the country, which could hurt its economy. Nicknamed the "battery of Asia', Laos is trying to emerge as a major energy player in the Asean region and currently exports electricity to Thailand and Cambodia. Last year, it earned about RM4 billion (US$980 million) in electricity exports. It is also part of the ambitious Asean Power Grid, a regional network earmarked to be fully integrated by 2045. The initiative aims to supply affordable energy to about 670 million people in the South-East Asian region. According to the International Energy Agency, coal makes up 38.9 per cent of the Lao's energy mix, followed by 35 per cent hydropower, biofuel and waste at 16.5 per cent, and oil at 9.5 per cent. The Lao president visited Russia from July 30 to August 1 at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. - Bernama
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
PM: King's Russia visit marks new chapter in bilateral ties
KUALA LUMPUR: The state visit by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, to Russia from Aug 5-10 marks a new chapter in Malaysia-Russia bilateral ties. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the state visit was expected to strengthen strategic cooperation across various sectors, including bilateral trade, investment, higher education, technology and innovation, as well as people-to-people relations. "Malaysia is well-positioned to attract new investments and technologies from Russia, particularly in the energy, aerospace, defence and smart agriculture sectors. "This is in line with the Madani Economy framework, which prioritises competitiveness, sustainability and shared prosperity. "More significantly, the state visit underscores the role of the royal institution of Malaysia as a respected driver of national diplomacy on the global stage. "It also reinforces Malaysia's sovereignty and strengthens its image as a neutral, open and progressive nation," he said in a post on his Facebook page. Anwar said the visit was historic and significant, marking Sultan Ibrahim as the first Malaysian head of state undertaking a state visit to Russia since diplomatic relations were established in April 1967. He said it reflected the position of His Majesty as a symbol of national unity, who also plays a strategic role in strengthening Malaysia's international relations. Yesterday, Malaysia's Ambassador to Russia, Datuk Cheong Loon Lai, said that His Majesty's state visit, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was a recognition of the five decades of diplomatic ties between Russia and Malaysia, which was among the earliest Asean countries to establish ties with the then-Soviet Union. Sultan Ibrahim is scheduled to arrive in Moscow on Tuesday and will be accorded a state welcome ceremony at the Kremlin on Wednesday, before holding an official meeting with the Russian president and attending a state banquet. His Majesty is also scheduled to visit the Russian Automotive Technology Development Company (NAMI), as well as the Tochka Kipeniya Technology and Innovation Hub. On Friday, Sultan Ibrahim will travel to Kazan, the fifth largest city in Russia, to receive an audience from the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, at the Kazan Kremlin. His Majesty is also scheduled to attend a reception ceremony hosted by Minnikhanov and visit the Kazan Helicopter Plant to observe the manufacturing operations of civilian, defence and rescue helicopters.
