Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev suggested that Russia may resort to nuclear weapons should Ukraine’s counter-offensive prove successful.

Medvedev, now serving as the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, stated via his official social media accounts, “Imagine if the.. offensive, which is backed by NATO, was a success and they tore off a part of our land then we would be forced to use a nuclear weapon according to the rules of a decree from the president of Russia.”

Known for his hawkish stance, Medvedev’s remarks are grounded in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which permits the use of nuclear weapons if conventional warfare threatens the existence of the Russian state. His statement continued saying, “There would simply be no other option. So our enemies should pray for our warriors’ (success). They are making sure that a global nuclear fire is not ignited.”

Critics of the Kremlin have previously accused Medvedev of making exaggerated statements to dissuade Western nations from supplying arms to Ukraine, interpreting his recent remarks as part of this pattern.

Ukraine is currently attempting to reclaim territory Russia has unilaterally annexed, a move that Ukraine and much of the Western world have condemned. The battlefield situation remains tense and fluid, with President Putin claiming that Ukraine has lost significant military equipment since June 4. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces maintain they are making progress in their drive to retake territory, slower than anticipated.