Wed May 28 01:49:14 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Trump Warns Putin is ‘Playing With Fire’ Amidst Escalating Ukraine Conflict; Russia Responds with WWIII Threat**

Washington D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s handling of the Ukraine war, stating that Putin is “playing with fire” and that Russia has been shielded from “really bad things” due to Trump’s prior actions. Trump’s comments, posted on his social media platform Truth Social, condemned Russian strikes on Ukraine and described Putin as “absolutely crazy” for continuing the conflict.

The remarks drew a sharp rebuke from Dmitry Medvedev, a senior Moscow security official and former Russian President. Medvedev responded via X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that the only “REALLY BAD thing” that could happen to Russia would be World War III. “I hope Trump understands this!” he wrote.

Trump’s initial post read, “What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realise is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened in Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire.”

In response, US envoy Keith Kellogg criticized Medvedev’s remarks as reckless, saying, “Stoking fears of WW III is an unfortunate, reckless comment… and unfitting of a world power.”

Medvedev, currently the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and a key Putin ally, is known for his sabre-rattling rhetoric and has repeatedly warned of potential nuclear escalation throughout the war in Ukraine. Putin himself has also raised the possibility of nuclear confrontation, warning Western powers against deploying troops in Ukraine.

The exchange follows Trump’s earlier statement that Putin had “gone absolutely CRAZY” in his approach to the Ukraine conflict, particularly regarding continued aerial attacks despite calls for a ceasefire and stalled peace negotiations. Trump also indicated he was considering new sanctions against Russia.

The war of words between the two leaders comes as Russia continues to make territorial gains in Ukraine. Russian forces have reportedly captured four villages in the Sumy region, further deepening the crisis as the conflict enters its fourth year. Ukrainian officials report that Russian troops are widening their assaults on the front line, utilizing small groups on motorcycles supported by aerial drones.

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