According to Reuters, Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that a direct battle between Russia and NATO would bring the world closer to World War III.
The statements came after Putin claimed a landslide victory in Russia’s presidential election, receiving 87.8 percent of the vote.
The United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other countries have claimed that the election was not free or fair because political opponents were imprisoned and censored.
During his post-election briefing, Putin stated, “It is evident to everyone that this is one step away from a full-fledged World War III. I doubt nobody is interested in this.”
French President Emmanuel Macron has already stated that he cannot rule out the prospect of deploying ground soldiers to Ukraine.
In response to queries regarding Macron’s words and the risks and possibilities of a conflict between Russia and NATO, Putin stated, “Everything is possible in the modern world.”
Putin also stated that NATO forces were already in Ukraine.
Earlier, Putin claimed that Russia was technically prepared for nuclear war. He stated that if the United States sent troops into Ukraine, it would be viewed as a substantial escalate of the situation.
In reaction, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Putin should not make threats while his country holds nuclear weapons.
According to the French president, he has not spoken to Putin in several months. Such a discussion was held “when necessary.”
In reaction to Putin’s statements, the United States stated that it does not believe Russia intends to deploy nuclear weapons against Ukraine.