Medvedev warns Europe of economic disaster if Russia defaults

Russia's former president Dmitry Medvedev has warned Europe that it could effectively be creating economic problems for itself as a consequence of those it was engineering in Russia.

"Russia's insolvency could become Europe's insolvency," said Medvedev, who is now deputy chair of Russia's Security Council.

Medvedev accused European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of wanting to drive his country into bankruptcy, describing this as the "secret intention of the masochists from Brussels."

Medvedev also warned Europeans of other potential consequences to the West's strict sanctions on Moscow, suggesting that the punitive measures could result in hyperinflation that could "no longer be blamed on the evil Russians."

Other consequences Europe might face, Medvedev suggested, could include a shortage of basic foodstuffs, while the vast number of Ukrainian refugees now in Europe could also result in a "wave of violent crime."