Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning to the West on Monday, cautioning that a direct conflict between Russia and the U.S.-led NATO military alliance could escalate into World War Three. Despite the gravity of the situation, Putin noted that such a scenario was largely unwanted by anyone involved.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has exacerbated tensions between Moscow and the West to levels not seen since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. While Putin has frequently emphasized the risks of nuclear war, he maintained that he has never felt compelled to resort to nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
In response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent remarks suggesting the potential deployment of ground troops in Ukraine, Putin remarked, “Everything is possible in the modern world.” He stressed that any conflict between Russia and NATO would be a perilous step toward a full-scale global conflict, a prospect that few desire.
Putin also highlighted the presence of NATO military personnel in Ukraine, noting the unfortunate consequences for those involved, as casualties continue to mount. He expressed concern over reports of English and French being spoken on the battlefield, indicating foreign involvement in the conflict.
Addressing questions regarding Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, Putin suggested that ongoing attacks against Russia could prompt the creation of a buffer zone using additional Ukrainian territory. He emphasized the need to defend Russian territory from external threats but refrained from providing specific details.
The Russian president’s remarks come amid heightened tensions surrounding the March 15-17 Russian election, during which Ukraine intensified attacks along the border regions. Putin criticized attempts to aggravate the conflict and called for a renewed focus on peace negotiations.
In response to U.S. and Western criticism of Russia’s election process, Putin dismissed allegations of electoral impropriety, citing concerns over the state of democracy in the United States. He criticized the treatment of former President Donald Trump and questioned the legitimacy of U.S. elections.
Regarding the fate of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died under mysterious circumstances in a Russian prison in February, Putin acknowledged his passing but declined to provide further details. He mentioned a proposed prisoner exchange involving Navalny shortly before his death, indicating his approval with a condition that Navalny would not return.
As tensions persist in the region, Putin reiterated Russia’s commitment to peace talks but emphasized the need for genuine efforts to establish long-term stability and neighborly relations between states involved in the conflict.
Comments