Russian security council officer warned the West, about the possibility of World War III if Ukraine is granted NATO membership. Here’s more on the escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
World War III, a possibility?
On Thursday, TASS, a Russian news agency quoted a Russian Security Council official warning NATO of World War III if Ukraine is admitted to the US-led military alliance.
“Kyiv is well aware that such a step would mean a guaranteed escalation to World War III,” stated Alexander Venediktov. Venediktov is the deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council. He also stated that Kyiv’s application is propaganda as the West understands the consequences. “The suicidal nature of such a step is understood by NATO members themselves,” he added.
Soon after Russia annexed four regions in Ukraine, Kyiv applied to fast-track its NATO membership. However, for that to happen, all 30 NATO nations must consent. The fast track is a highly unlikely situation at the moment. In recent years, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been critical of Washington’s attempt at expanding NATO in the east. After annexing four Ukrainian regions, Putin revealed he is ready to take up all possible routes, including nukes for defencing Russian regions.
More on the increasing conflict
NATO is due to hold its annual nuclear preparedness exercise, “Steadfast Noon” later this week. Moreover, US President Joe Biden stated that the world is facing the biggest nuclear Armageddon risk since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. However, Vendiktov also cautioned against the Ukrainian president’s call for a preventive strike against Russia in addition to the World War III warning. He stated a nuclear war will have catastrophic consequences. We must remember: a nuclear conflict will affect absolutely the whole world — not only Russia and the collective West but every country on this planet. The consequences would be disastrous for all mankind,” he stated.