Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning, asserting that a confrontation between Russia and NATO would bring the world perilously close to the brink of World War III, as reported by Reuters.
Putin’s remarks follow his claimed landslide victory in Russia’s presidential election, securing 87.8 percent of the votes. However, the election has faced criticism from several nations, including the US, Germany, and the UK, who deemed it neither free nor fair due to the imprisonment of political opponents and censorship.
Speaking during a post-election briefing, Putin emphasized the grave implications of a conflict between Russia and NATO, stating, “It is clear to everyone that this will be one step away from a full-scale World War Three. I think hardly anyone is interested in this.”
In response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s previous remarks about the potential deployment of ground troops in Ukraine, Putin acknowledged the uncertainties and risks of conflict in the modern world, noting that “everything is possible.”
Putin also highlighted the presence of NATO servicemen in Ukraine and reiterated Russia’s technical readiness for nuclear war. He warned that any deployment of US troops to Ukraine would constitute a significant escalation of the conflict.
French President Macron pushed back against Putin’s rhetoric, cautioning against making threats, especially given Russia’s possession of nuclear weapons. Macron revealed that he had not engaged in dialogue with Putin for several months, indicating that communication occurred only “when necessary.”
Meanwhile, in the United States, officials noted that there were no apparent plans by Russia to utilize nuclear weapons against Ukraine, in response to Putin’s earlier statements.
Putin’s warnings underscore growing tensions between Russia and NATO, heightening concerns about the potential for broader conflict and the imperative of diplomatic efforts to mitigate escalation and maintain peace.