Vladimir Putin stated that a direct conflict between Russia and NATO would mean that the planet is one step away from World War Three, according to Reuters.
"It is clear to everyone that this will be one step away from a full-scale World War Three. I think hardly anyone is interested in this," Putin said after elections in which he received almost 90% of the vote in Russia.
French President Emmanuel Macron previously stated that he cannot rule out the possibility of deploying ground troops in Ukraine.
Responding to questions about Macron's statements, as well as the risks and possibility of conflict between Russia and NATO, Putin said, "Everything is possible in the modern world."
Putin added that NATO servicemen are already in Ukraine.
Putin's nuclear threats
Earlier, Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is technically ready for nuclear war. If the United States sends troops to Ukraine, it would be seen as a significant escalation of the conflict.
In response, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Vladimir Putin should not make threats when his country possesses nuclear weapons.
According to the French president, he has not spoken with Putin for several months. Such dialogue was held "when necessary."
In the United States, in response to Putin's statements, it was noted that they do not see any plans by Russia to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine.
