Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning to the West on Monday, cautioning that a direct clash between Russia and the US-led NATO alliance could spiral into a global conflict of unprecedented proportions. Speaking against the backdrop of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, Putin emphasized the grave risks associated with any escalation in tensions between Moscow and the Western powers, noting that such a scenario is universally undesirable.
The current conflict in Ukraine has marked the most serious strain in relations between Moscow and the West since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Despite mounting concerns over the potential for nuclear confrontation, Putin asserted that he has not entertained the idea of deploying nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
Recent remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron, suggesting the possibility of ground troop deployment in Ukraine, have elicited varied reactions from Western nations. While some countries have distanced themselves from such proposals, others, particularly in Eastern Europe, have expressed solidarity with Macron’s stance.
Responding to questions from Reuters regarding Macron’s statements and the prospects of a conflict between Russia and NATO, Putin remarked, “Everything is possible in the modern world.” He reiterated the grave implications of such a confrontation, cautioning that it could push the world perilously close to a full-scale global conflict—an outcome that holds little appeal for anyone.
Putin also highlighted the presence of NATO military personnel in Ukraine, citing instances where soldiers speaking both English and French were reportedly observed on the battlefield. These observations underscore the complex and volatile nature of the situation in Ukraine, which continues to pose a significant challenge to international stability and security.
