Former Russian President: Those who oppose the military operation in Ukraine are "traitors"!
Deputy Chairman of the National Security Council, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, described the citizens protesting the military operation in Ukraine as "traitors".
Medvedev said in a newspaper interview that opinion polls showed that three-quarters of Russians supported the Kremlin's decision to carry out the attack in Ukraine, and even supported President Vladimir Putin, according to Medvedev.
The former Russian president criticized his compatriots who objected to the invasion, and continued: "You can be dissatisfied with some decisions of the authorities and criticize the authorities. This is normal. But you cannot take a stand against the state in such a difficult situation because this is treason."
It is reported that the Russian authorities arrested thousands of people earlier this month, in nationwide protests against the attack on Ukraine.
On the other hand, Medvedev said it was "foolish" to think that Western sanctions on Russian companies could have any effect on the Moscow government.
The senior official stated that the sanctions will only lead to the unification of Russian society, and will not cause popular discontent with the authorities.
Medvedev said, according to "Sky News Arabia", "Let us ask ourselves: Can any of these business leaders have even the slightest influence on the position of the country's leadership? I tell you frankly: No, it is impossible."
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