Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed grave concerns about the escalating tensions between Russia and NATO, warning that it could bring about the onset of World War III. Following his landslide victory in the exit polls, Putin held a press conference where he reiterated this statement in response to a question from a Reuters journalist regarding Emmanuel Macron’s recent remarks. Putin emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the prospect of global conflict looms closer than many anticipate, and stressed that such a scenario is in nobody’s interest.
Reflecting on Russia’s historical resilience, Putin underscored the nation’s advancements in various domains, including science and technology, while acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the military. He affirmed Russia’s steadfastness in the face of any attempts to undermine its sovereignty, asserting that any ambitions to conquer the nation would ultimately falter.
The recent polls, as reported by The Mirror, reaffirmed Putin’s popularity, with an overwhelming 88% victory margin, leaving his competitors far behind. This decisive win further solidifies Putin’s position as the longest-serving Russian president in over two centuries.
However, amidst the celebrations, Putin’s top advisor, Dmitry Medvedev, issued a stern warning to Western nations, cautioning against the inadvertent escalation of conflict that could lead to a global catastrophe. Medvedev criticized Western leaders for their perceived incompetence and indifference towards the looming specter of war, cautioning against the potentially dire consequences.
This sentiment was echoed by Putin himself during previous warnings issued to NATO countries, as reported by various sources including Times Now. Putin explicitly cautioned against the deployment of troops in Ukraine, emphasizing the risks of provoking a nuclear confrontation. In a separate statement attributed to AP’s sources, Putin reiterated his willingness to resort to nuclear deterrence if deemed necessary to safeguard Russian sovereignty against external threats.