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Russia warns West of possible 'preemptive strikes' as US missiles head to Ukraine

Iran Press TV

Friday, 18 July 2025 7:00 AM

A senior Russian official has warned of possible "preemptive strikes" in the face of what Moscow sees as intensifying Western hostility, amid reports that US-made Patriot missile systems are being delivered to Ukraine through NATO partners.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council and former president, slammed the West's enduring "treacherous nature" and outdated notions of superiority.

"The West's treacherous nature and its warped and very outdated sense of superiority are still evident," he told Tass News Agency on Thursday. "And we should therefore act accordingly, responding in full or even delivering pre-emptive strikes if need be."

Medvedev added that Russia "no longer has any illusions" about its relationship with Western powers. "What is happening today is a proxy war — essentially a full-scale war — with the launches of Western missiles, satellite intelligence, sanctions packages, and statements on European militarization," he said.

He described the actions as "another attempt to destroy the 'historical anomaly' hated by the West — our country, Russia."

The comments come as the United States proceeds with the shipment of advanced missile defense systems to Ukraine. US President Donald Trump confirmed this week that Patriot missile batteries were en route to Germany for transfer to Ukrainian forces.

"They're already being shipped," Trump told reporters. "They're coming in from Germany and then replaced by Germany. And in all cases, the United States gets paid back in full."

On Thursday, the Swiss Defense Ministry also announced the arrival of five Patriot missile batteries from the US. A statement from the ministry said the US Department of Defense had informed Switzerland of plans to prioritize deliveries to support Ukraine's ground-based air defense needs.

The missile transfers come amid continued Western efforts to support Ukraine's military, even as US officials have reportedly urged caution to prevent a broader conflict.

Trump has pledged to supply Kyiv with "top-of-the-line weapons," but reportedly advised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to wait until long-range capabilities become available.

At the same time, Trump has also introduced sweeping tariffs targeting countries that continue economic relations with Moscow. He recently threatened 100% tariffs on nations purchasing Russian oil unless the Kremlin enters into peace negotiations within 50 days.

Russia launched a large-scale military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, stating that the move was necessary to defend itself against NATO's expansion.