The dictator also sees the risk of events developing to a level preceding the third world war.
During a press interaction on March 18, right after the conclusion of the election voting, Putin expressed his opinion on the potential risk of a full-scale conflict between Russia and NATO countries.
«I think anything is possible in the modern world,» Putin said, according to the Interfax news agency.
He added: «it is clear to everyone that this would be one step away from a full-scale third world war. I think hardly anyone is interested in that.»
Putin also spoke about the role of France, pointing out its ability to exacerbate the situation. According to Putin, the recent softening of rhetoric by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, regarding the participation of European military in Ukraine, indicates a transition to performing secondary functions, such as training military personnel and briefing on the use of Western equipment, which, in his view, does not significantly differ from what mercenaries are already doing.
Putin also emphasized that he considers the fight against Ukraine the main task of his presidency.
