Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has sharply criticized a statement made by United States President Donald Trump regarding America’s role in World War II. Trump recently declared that the United States made the primary contribution to the Allied victory in the war and announced plans to establish a commemorative holiday on May 8.

Medvedev responded on Saturday through the Russian social media platform VKontakte, calling Trump’s assertion “pretentious nonsense.” He wrote, “Trump recently announced that the United States made the main contribution to the victory in World War II and that he would establish a holiday on May 8. A holiday is not bad. But according to the first conclusion — pretentious nonsense.”

The remark is the latest point of contention in ongoing geopolitical discourse between Moscow and Washington. While the United States has long emphasized its strategic and material contributions to the Allied war effort, Russia—then part of the Soviet Union—has consistently highlighted its own pivotal role, particularly in the Eastern Front battles that resulted in massive military and civilian casualties.

President Trump’s comment that the U.S. “did more than any other Country, by far,” has sparked debate over the historical framing of WWII, especially among nations that consider the war a foundational part of their national identity and pride. His statement, coupled with the proposed holiday, appears to be part of a broader initiative to reinforce American patriotic memory.

Medvedev’s criticism reflects the sensitivity surrounding historical narratives of WWII and the pride both countries take in their respective wartime contributions. The exchange highlights how wartime history continues to influence current diplomatic rhetoric and national self-perception.