Medvedev Threatens Zelensky: "The Grim Reaper is Coming"

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev issued a death threat against Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday. He made the statement on the Telegram messaging app. Medvedev currently serves as deputy head of Russia’s Security Council. He is known for making extreme comments against Ukraine and Western nations. His threat responded to Zelensky’s recent Christmas address. Medvedev claimed Zelensky wished for the death of a specific person, understood to be Russian President Vladimir Putin. “It is clear to everyone that he wishes death not only on ‘one person’,” Medvedev wrote. He then added a direct threat to Zelensky: “The only thing I can say: the Grim Reaper is coming for you.” The Grim Reaper is a common symbol for death. Medvedev’s post also contained personal insults against the Ukrainian president. The Kremlin has not officially commented on the statement. Such public threats against a head of state are highly unusual in international diplomacy.