
MOSCOW, July 17 (Reuters) - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday that the West was practically waging a full-scale war against Russia so Moscow should respond in full, and if necessary launch preventative strikes, state TASS news agency reported.
"We need to act accordingly. Respond in full. And if necessary, launch preventative strikes," Medvedev was quoted as saying by TASS.
Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's powerful Security Council, dismissed statements by Western officials that Russia could attack Europe as complete rubbish.
"Let me remind you that our president has unequivocally stated that Russia has no intention of fighting NATO or 'attacking Europe'," Medvedev said.