Russia’s Cinematic Moves: Picking a New Territory, Then Dealing with a Nuclear Spin‑Off
On September 22, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev took the mic and delivered a message that could be handy for a political thriller: It’s time to bring the nuclear boom into the game of annexation. The ex‑president, now a key player in Russia’s Security Council, was clear-eyed about the fate of the territories Russia’s forces have seized in Ukraine.
What Was Said?
- Referendums are on the way. Russian‑installed and separatist authorities are planning votes across the big chunks of the Donbas, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and parts of Mykolaiv.
- There’s no turning back. “The Donbas republics and other territories will be accepted into Russia” was the headline phrase.
- Nuclear backup? Medvedev declared that Russia’s arsenal—including “strategic nuclear weapons” and “new‑principle” weapons—could be used to guard these newly claimed lands.
The Likely Outcome
Expect the referendums to produce a veto‑proof majority, tipping the microphones in favor of joining Moscow. Why? Because the votes are happening in a flash‑over, under military occupation, and with no time for diplomatic protests. Kyiv and its Western allies immediately labeled the polls as a sham.
Under the Nuclear Umbrella
If these regions officially become part of the Russian Federation, they’ll join the nuclear safety net governed by Moscow’s doctrine. In a world where nuclear power is a costly commitment, it means that these territories could, in theory, benefit from the protective “wall” that stands between them and the rest of the world.
The Reality Check
- Control is partial. Russia only holds about 60 % of Donetsk and 66 % of Zaporizhzhia.
- Ongoing pushback. Ukrainian counter‑offensives have been gaining momentum recently, putting a strain on the holds.
- Medvedev’s pivot. Once seen as a “Western‑leaning liberalizer” during his 2008‑2012 presidency, he’s now a hard‑line geopolitical hawk.
So, the plot thickens: an ambitious annexation plan, rushed referendums, and a stirred nuclear deck. It’s a storyline that’s as dramatic as any blockbuster, yet the stakes are far beyond Hollywood.
