Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, has brushed off Senator Lindsey Graham's call for Russia to enter peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, responded snarkily on X after Graham echoed President Donald Trump's request for Russia to negotiate.
Graham had warned Russia that Trump was serious about ending the conflict, stating: 'To those in Russia who believe that President Trump is not serious about ending the bloodbath between Russia and Ukraine: You and your customers will soon be sadly mistaken. You will also soon see that Joe Biden is no longer president. Get to the peace table.'
Medvedev dismissed the demand, insisting: 'It's not for you or Trump to dictate when to “get at the peace table.” Negotiations will end when all the objectives of our military operation have been achieved. Work on America first, gramps!'
The exchange came on the same day Trump warned Putin he had 10 to 12 days to make progress on a peace deal or face 'severe tariffs'. Russia invaded Ukraine over three years ago, and Ukraine has relied heavily on Western support. Trump had previously given Putin 50 days to strike a deal but shortened the timeframe, expressing frustration with Russia's lack of effort.
Hours before the exchange, Medvedev warned Trump that 'playing the ultimatum game with Russia' could lead to war between the two nations. Later on Monday, Russia bombarded Ukraine with missiles, killing at least 22 people, including a pregnant woman, at a prison camp and a hospital.
Graham has co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to impose a 500 percent tariff on imports from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, and uranium. Trump could also impose additional sanctions if Russia fails to come to the negotiating table.
