Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, made his comments after the European Union agreed an 18th package of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine, including measures aimed at dealing further blows to the Russian oil and energy industry.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned that Russia could launch preemptive military strikes if the West escalates the war in Ukraine. While insisting Moscow has no intention of attacking NATO or Europe,

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday that Russia had no plans to attack NATO or Europe but, if the West escalated the Ukraine war any further, then Moscow should respond and, if necessary,