Russia Warns of World War III as Ukraine Conflict Escalates

Russia Issues Warning to the West

Moscow: Russia has strongly warned Western nations, arguing that allowing Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory with Western missiles is a dangerous escalation that could lead to World War III. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that such actions are tantamount to “playing with fire” and cautioned that any global conflict would not be confined to Europe alone.

Ukraine’s Attack on Kursk Region

This warning comes in the wake of an attack by Ukraine on Russia’s Kursk region on August 6, marking the most significant foreign assault on Russian soil since World War II. Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed that there will be an appropriate response from Russia.

Lavrov’s Accusations and Warnings

Lavrov, who has served as Foreign Minister under Putin for over 20 years, accused the West of intentionally escalating the Ukraine conflict. He warned that considering Ukrainian requests to relax restrictions on foreign-supplied weapons is a risky move that could have severe consequences.

Since the onset of the Ukraine invasion in 2022, President Putin has repeatedly highlighted the potential risk of a broader conflict involving the world’s major nuclear powers. Despite this, he has emphasized that Russia does not seek a confrontation with the U.S.-led NATO alliance.

Russia Clarifies Its Nuclear Doctrine

“Playing with fire—like children playing with matches—is extremely dangerous for those entrusted with nuclear weapons,” Lavrov remarked during a press briefing in Moscow. He added that Russia is currently “clarifying” its nuclear doctrine.

Russia’s 2020 nuclear doctrine outlines the circumstances under which nuclear weapons might be used, including in response to an attack using nuclear, other weapons of mass destruction, or conventional weapons if the attack threatens the existence of the Russian state.

Ukraine’s Response and Western Involvement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently dismissed Russia’s threats of retaliation, describing them as bluffs. He pointed out that Ukraine is currently restricted by its allies, preventing the use of certain weapons against Russian military targets. Zelenskiy called on Western allies to be more decisive in their support for Kyiv.

Russia has claimed that Ukraine used Western-supplied weapons, including British tanks and U.S. rocket systems, in the Kursk attack. Kyiv has admitted to using U.S.-supplied HIMARS missiles to destroy bridges in the region.

The United States has denied involvement in the operation, stating it was not informed of Ukraine’s plans beforehand. Despite this, Russian foreign intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin expressed skepticism, stating that Moscow does not believe Western denials of involvement. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also asserted that U.S. involvement in the Kursk attack is “an obvious fact.”