Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that a direct conflict between Russia and NATO could lead to World War Three, following his landslide victory in Russia's presidential election with 87.8% of the votes. The election, however, faced criticism from the US, Germany, the UK, and other nations, citing the imprisonment of political opponents and censorship.
During his post-election briefing, Putin emphasized the grave implications of a conflict with 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.” French President Emmanuel Macron had previously mentioned the possibility of deploying ground troops in Ukraine.
Responding to questions about Macron’s statements and the risks of conflict with NATO, Putin remarked, “Everything is possible in the modern world,” highlighting the escalating tensions. He also noted that NATO servicemen were already present in Ukraine.
Putin's remarks on being "technically ready for nuclear war" and the potential escalation if the US sent troops to Ukraine were met with stern responses. Macron cautioned against making threats when possessing nuclear weapons, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in managing conflicts. In the US, there are no indications of Russian plans to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine.
