If Ukraine joins NATO, it could lead to a third world war, Deputy Minister of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Alexander Venediktov warned the state news agency TASS. “Kiev is aware that such a move would mean a certain escalation to a third world war,” Venediktov said. By helping Ukraine, the West is “a direct party to the conflict” for Moscow.
Venediktov accused Kiev of knowingly taking the risk of a world war. “Apparently they rely on it — to generate information noise and bring attention back to themselves.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had recently called for swift accession to NATO. The reason for this was the annexation of four occupied Ukrainian territories by Russia.
West already directly involved in war in Ukraine for Moscow
Venediktov reiterated Russia’s view that the West is already directly involved in the conflict because of its aid to Ukraine. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said something similar on Wednesday. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s statement that a Russian victory in Ukraine would mean a defeat for NATO confirms that the alliance is fighting alongside Ukraine, Peskov said.
During a meeting in the form of the so-called nuclear planning group on Thursday, NATO defense ministers want to discuss, among other things, NATO’s nuclear weapons strategy and plans to modernize the current infrastructure. In addition, a briefing is planned on annual maneuvers to defend Allied territory with nuclear weapons. According to Stoltenberg, the deterrent exercise Steadfast Noon is scheduled for next week.
Fear of the use of tactical nuclear weapons is growing
Russia recently annexed four occupied Ukrainian territories in violation of international law. Putin, among others, announced that they would defend it with all available means. In doing so, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin expressed concern that Russia could use limited-range tactical nuclear weapons on the battlefield.
Information about possible decisions from the nuclear planning group is not expected. They are usually secret. With the exception of France, all NATO countries are involved in the consultations. The EU countries’ currently only nuclear power has relied on the principle of “nuclear independence” for decades.
Extra protection for critical infrastructure
Another topic of the Defense Ministers’ meeting is the joint efforts to expand the capabilities of the arms industry. In addition, following the alleged acts of sabotage against the natural gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, additional protection for critical infrastructure should be deployed. In addition to pipelines, this also includes electricity grids and data cables.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
