Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West on Monday {that a} direct battle between Russia and the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) army alliance would imply the planet is one step nearer to World War III. But he mentioned only a few folks needed such a situation.
The Ukraine battle induced probably the most critical disaster in Russia’s relations with the West because the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Although President Putin has ceaselessly warned concerning the risks of nuclear battle, he has mentioned he has by no means felt the necessity to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron introduced final month that whereas many Western nations have distanced themselves from sending floor forces to Ukraine, Eastern European nations specifically have expressed help, and there’s a chance of sending floor troops to Ukraine sooner or later. acknowledged that it can’t be dominated out.
Asked by Reuters about Macron’s feedback and the danger and chance of battle between Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Putin quipped: “In the trendy world, something is feasible.”
“It is evident to everybody that that is one step away from a full-scale World War III. I feel only a few persons are on this,” Putin mentioned, referring to Russia’s post-Soviet historical past. Speaking to reporters after the largest landslide victory.
But Putin added that NATO army personnel had been already in Ukraine and mentioned Russia may hear each English and French being spoken on the battlefield.
“First of all, there’s nothing good for them, as a result of they’re dying in giant numbers there,” he mentioned.
buffer zone
Ahead of Russia’s March 15-17 basic elections, Ukraine has stepped up its assaults on Russia, shelling border areas and utilizing proxies to attempt to breach Russia’s borders.
Asked whether or not he thought of it essential to occupy Ukraine’s Kharkiv area, Putin mentioned that if the assaults proceed, Russia will create a buffer zone in additional areas of Ukrainian territory to guard Russian territory. He mentioned it will be.
President Putin mentioned: “Keeping in thoughts the tragic occasions which might be going down at present, it’s doable that, at a time after we deem it applicable, we can be compelled to determine a sure ‘sanitary zone’ throughout the territory at present beneath the Kiev regime. It doesn’t exclude it.” He mentioned.
He didn’t present additional particulars, however mentioned such an space may should be giant sufficient to stop foreign-made weapons from reaching Russian territory.
President Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, following an eight-year battle in japanese Ukraine between Ukrainian forces on one facet and pro-Russian Ukrainians and Russian proxies on the opposite. induced a large-scale battle.
Putin mentioned he hoped Macron would cease exacerbating the battle in Ukraine and play a job find peace, including: “It seems to be like France may play a job. All shouldn’t be misplaced but.” is not it.”
“I’ve mentioned it many instances and I’ll say it once more: We are in favor of peace negotiations, however not solely as a result of the enemy is operating out of ammunition,” Putin mentioned.
“If they’re actually critical about constructing long-term peace and good neighborly relations between the 2 nations, they can not simply take a 12 months and a half to 2 years off to rearm.”
democracy within the usa
President Putin has dismissed the White House’s criticism of the election from the United States and the West, saying it was not democratic and criticizing the usage of state energy in opposition to Donald Trump.
“The entire world is laughing at what is occurring there,” Putin mentioned of the United States. “This is only a catastrophe. It’s not democracy. What the heck?”
Asked concerning the destiny of opposition chief Alexei Navalny, who died in unexplained circumstances in a Russian jail within the Arctic Circle on February 16, Putin used Navalny’s identify in public for the primary time, merely saying: “He simply died,” he mentioned.
President Putin mentioned he had agreed to a commerce with Navalny days earlier than his demise. Reuters reported in February {that a} prisoner change deal was agreed shortly earlier than Navalny’s demise.
“I mentioned, ‘I agree,'” Putin mentioned of approving the prisoner change. “I had one situation. I’d commerce him, however he wouldn’t come again.”
Navalny’s widow Yulia accused Putin of killing her husband. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov informed reporters that the declare was merely false.