Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a sobering message to the West on Monday, cautioning that any direct conflict between Russia and the US-led NATO alliance would plunge the world into the brink of a catastrophic World War III. Despite the escalating tensions, Putin asserted that few nations desired such a devastating scenario.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has strained Moscow’s relations with the West, evoking comparisons to the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Putin, who has consistently highlighted the dangers of nuclear warfare, reiterated that he had refrained from deploying nuclear weapons in Ukraine thus far.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent comments regarding the potential deployment of ground troops in Ukraine, stirred controversy with some Western nations distancing themselves while others in Eastern Europe voiced support.
In response to Macron’s remarks and concerns over a possible Russia-NATO conflict, Putin remarked, “Everything is possible in the modern world.”
“It is clear to everyone, that this will be one step away from a full-scale World War 3. I think hardly anyone is interested in this,” Putin told reporters after securing the largest electoral victory in post-Soviet Russian history.
Putin noted the presence of NATO military personnel in Ukraine, expressing concern for their well-being amid the escalating violence. He hinted at the possibility of establishing a buffer zone in Ukrainian territory to safeguard Russian borders if attacks persisted.
Despite his stern warnings, Putin highlighted his commitment to peace talks and urged France to play a constructive role in resolving the crisis in Ukraine.
Amid criticisms of Russia’s electoral process, Putin dismissed US and Western accusations, labelling American elections as undemocratic and condemning the treatment of former President Donald Trump. He also addressed the controversial death of Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, stating that he had approved a prisoner swap deal involving Navalny before his demise, with a condition that he would not return to Russia.
