The Russian president has issued a stern warning to the west over sending military troops in support of Ukraine. Vladimir Putin says a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO will push the world to the brink of a full-scale World War Three.
Putin made the remarks in a presser shortly after securing another six-year term in office in the biggest landslide victory in the post-soviet Russian history. The warning came in response to an earlier statement by French President Emanuel Macron who highlighted the necessity of Western ground operations in Ukraine at some point. Commenting on the prospects of peace talks with Kiev, Putin said Moscow remains open to negotiations but won’t be lured into truce that would allow Ukraine to re-arm. He added that Russian armed forces hold the initiative on the battlefield as they have made advances in Ukraine.