Russia Warns US Of World War III Risks, Says West ‘playing With Fire’
Russia has issued a stern warning to the United States, cautioning that the risks of a potential World War III are not limited to Europe. Moscow’s statement follows recent Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Kursk region, marking one of the most significant foreign offensives against Russia since World War II. Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged a strong response to these incursions.
Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s long-serving Foreign Minister, accused the West of exacerbating the conflict by considering the provision of advanced weaponry to Ukraine. He suggested that such actions are dangerous and could lead to broader global conflict. Lavrov emphasized that discussions about a possible Third World War should not be seen as solely affecting Europe.
He further noted that Russia is revising its nuclear strategy, which currently outlines conditions under which it might use nuclear weapons, including responses to nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction attacks, or threats to the nation’s existence.
In response to the recent attack on Kursk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky argued that Russia’s threats of retaliation were merely bluster. Zelensky has called for more decisive support from Ukraine’s allies to enable more effective counterattacks.
Russia claims that Ukrainian forces have utilized Western-supplied weaponry, including British tanks and US rocket systems, in their assault on Kursk. While Kyiv has confirmed the use of US HIMARS missiles for targeting key infrastructure, Washington denies prior knowledge of the operation or any involvement. Russian officials, however, suggest that Western support for Ukraine’s actions is evident.
The New York Times reported that the United States and Britain provided Ukraine with satellite imagery and other intelligence on Kursk following the attack to aid in monitoring Russian movements.
