Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, called on former U.S. President Donald Trump to order the assassination of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Medvedev described Zelensky as a "festering green parasite" who was exploiting American financial support, and urged Trump to direct U.S. military and intelligence officials to eliminate him.

The comments by Medvedev, who has held several key roles in the Russian government including former president and deputy chairman of the Security Council, come amid ongoing Russian missile strikes in Ukraine. Recently, the cities of Dnipro and Kharkiv were targeted. In Kharkiv, missiles struck a shopping mall, a logistics center, and a distribution facility.

Medvedev’s statement represents a significant escalation in rhetoric from a senior Russian official, calling explicitly for violent action against a foreign head of state. The move comes as tensions continue to mount in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine following Moscow’s invasion last year.

There has been no official response from the U.S. government regarding Medvedev’s remarks. However, former President Trump has not publicly addressed the call for assassination.

The missile attacks on civilian and commercial infrastructure in Kharkiv occurred amid escalating military operations by Russian forces, which have drawn widespread international condemnation. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and extensive damage across multiple Ukrainian cities.

Medvedev’s provocative language illustrates the deepening animosity in the conflict and underscores the continued volatility surrounding the situation in Ukraine.