Moscow: In a significant development from Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been declared the winner of the presidential election, marking another term for the long-standing leader. The victory comes amidst heightened tensions with Western countries, particularly over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Putin, in a statement following his win, issued a stark warning to the West, suggesting that any direct conflict between Russia and the US-led NATO military alliance could bring the world to the brink of a third world war, a scenario he believes is unwanted by all parties involved.
The Ukraine war has indeed escalated Moscow’s relations with the West to a level of crisis not seen since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. This tension was further exacerbated by comments from French President Emmanuel Macron, who did not dismiss the possibility of deploying ground troops to Ukraine in the future. While some Western nations have distanced themselves from such a stance, others, especially in Eastern Europe, have shown their support.
Putin, who has frequently highlighted the perils of nuclear warfare, maintained that he has never considered the use of nuclear weapons in the Ukrainian conflict. Responding to inquiries about Macron’s remarks and the potential for a clash between Russia and NATO, Putin remarked that “everything is possible in the modern world” and emphasized the gravity of the situation by stating that the world is “one step away from a full-scale Third World War.
Further intensifying the situation, Putin claimed that NATO troops were already present in Ukraine, a point of contention that has been a subject of debate. He lamented the presence of foreign languages heard on the battlefield, indicating the involvement of English and French-speaking personnel, and expressed concern for their well-being, noting the high toll on human lives.
This election victory not only solidifies Putin’s grip on power but also sets the stage for continued diplomatic challenges as the world watches the unfolding events with bated breath.
