Russia warns of 'World War III' if Ukraine joins NATO, read more details here

According to a Russian Security Council source, if Ukraine joins the U.S.-led NATO military alliance, the war there will inevitably worsen and turn into World War Three.

"Kyiv is well aware that such a step would mean a guaranteed escalation to World War Three," TASS quoted Alexander Venediktov, the deputy secretary of Russia's Security Council.

On September 30, only a few hours after Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, formally proclaimed the acquisition of up to 18% of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a surprise application for fast-track membership in NATO. Since all 30 countries in the organisation would need to agree, complete NATO membership for Ukraine is still in the future.


President Vladimir Putin has criticised the United States for pushing NATO's eastward expansion on numerous occasions, particularly for its courtship of former Soviet nations like Ukraine and Georgia, which Russia views as being inside its sphere of influence.




Last month, Putin warned the West that he would be ready to use nuclear weapons to protect Russia.

The majority of nuclear warheads in the world are controlled by Russia and the United States, making them by far the two nuclear superpowers.

Venediktov claims that Zelenskyy's plan for a preemptive military strike against Russia is dangerous since a nuclear conflict would have catastrophic results for the entire globe.

Related FAQs

1. What is the tussle between President Vladimir Putin and the US?
   President Vladimir Putin has criticised the United States for pushing NATO's eastward expansion on numerous occasions.
2. How much of Ukraine will Russia acquire?
   Russia will acquire up to 18% of Ukraine.
3. How many countries are there in NATO?
   There are 30 countries in NATO.