Putin warns of World War III: 'It is now a more real possibility'

Russian President Vladimir Putin made striking remarks during the main session he attended as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). Speaking on the course of the ongoing war with Ukraine, Putin said that Moscow does not want Ukraine to surrender, but rather for the realities on the ground to be recognized.

"We only want the realities on the ground to be accepted. Russia had to create a security corridor in the border regions because there are constant drone and artillery attacks coming from this area by Ukraine" he said.

Putin stated that the Russian army's advance in the Sumy region is 10 to 12 kilometers deep and that they are not targeting the city of Sumy, but he also added, "we do not rule out this possibility."

"ALL OF UKRAINE IS OURS" MESSAGE

The Russian leader also used clear language regarding the borders of the military operation in Ukraine:

"I believe that the Russian and Ukrainian peoples are one nation. In this sense, all of Ukraine is ours. Every place where a Russian soldier sets foot is our land."

Regarding the possibility of a dirty bomb, Putin said there is "no confirmed information at the moment," emphasizing that it would be a "very big mistake" for Ukraine to attempt such a thing. He also referred to Russia's nuclear doctrine, stating that a "very harsh response" would be given in such situations, adding that it would have "devastating consequences for the Neo-Nazi regime."

Addressing both the conflicts in the Middle East and the tensions along the Israel-Iran axis, Putin made the following striking assessment regarding the risk of a global war:

"I am concerned about the possibility of a World War III. Especially when considering the conflicts in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, developments in Iran, and potential risks, this probability is increasing every day."

Speaking on the agenda regarding Israel's threat to kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Putin said, "I hope this remains only rhetoric. Every country's security must be ensured without threatening the security of another country."

"A SOLUTION IS POSSIBLE, THE GLOBAL SOUTH CAN STEP IN"

Putin stated that Russia is in contact with both Israel and Iran, and suggested that regional countries and the Global South could intervene to resolve the tension:

"Iran defends its right to uranium enrichment and peaceful nuclear energy. Israel, on the other hand, is trying to ensure its security. Acceptable solutions can be produced for both sides. As Russia, we are not mediators, but we have made some suggestions."

MESSAGE FROM PUTIN REGARDING IRAN  

Stating that he has friendly relations with Iran, Putin said they support Iran's legitimate interests regarding peaceful nuclear energy and that this stance has not changed. However, pointing to the increased activity at nuclear facilities in and around Isfahan, Putin said, "We are concerned about where this situation will evolve."

News Source: 12punto