On the other side of the globe, the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has given no less than a death knell, proclaiming NATO’s aggressive movement to Russian borders as the primary reason that could ignite a war between the alliance and Moscow.
Putin, speaking at a security conference some days ago, charged Western powers with thirsting for more by giving Ukraine their support and increasing their military presence in Eastern Europe.
Moreover, he declared that if the NATO forces continue their advance into Russian territory, and the most probable case being the entry of Ukraine, then this would be interpreted as a violation of Russia’s sovereignty and a direct threat.
“In the case that the alliance does not renounce its aggressive plans of an eastern expansion, especially by including Ukraine, then this will be our only choice will be to respond with retaliatory measures that can have a sequence of events resulting in a world war,” Putin said.
The Russian leader went on to add that Moscow would not start a war but would still support its interests if aggression were to be directed at it.
These statements have been made at a time when the situation is quite tense due to the events that have happened to Ukraine, the western countries have not stopped in their attempts to give Kyiv military aid, whereas Russia still commits a large number of troops near the border.
Consequently, NATO vehemently rejects the charges of aggression and insists that its growth is defensive and grounded upon the sovereign decisions of the member countries. On the contrary, Putin’s latest speech stands for a rise in tension and presents a beacon for a disaster if it escalates even further.
The experts believe that the brinksmanship of Putin may well be an effort to warn NATO, as well as a signal to his side repeatedly that he is the only one responsible for the security of Russia.
On the contrary, there is still no sign of a change of position on either side; thus, the prospect of a small error leading to a bigger conflict cannot be ruled out now, and it is even getting more dangerous.
Despite diplomats’ attempts to reduce the conflict, the global community still keeps a keen eye on the situation, knowing that even a single mistake could take the crisis to a new and alarming stage.
