Medvedev: Risks of a full-fledged nuclear war

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Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia Dmitry Medvedev stated on Thursday that the "endless talk of foreign analysts about NATO's war with Russia does not subside."

He added that "the cynicism of Western "talking heads" is becoming more and more outspoken. They are trying with all their might to introduce the thesis that Russia is scaring the world with a nuclear conflict into the agenda."

Medvedev listed what he believes are obvious in relation to Western countries and Russia. He stated: "First, the pumping of Ukraine by NATO countries with weapons, the training of its troops to use Western equipment, the dispatch of mercenaries, and the conduct of exercises by the countries of the Alliance near our borders increase the likelihood of a direct and open conflict between NATO and Russia instead of their “war by proxy”.

Second, such a conflict always has the risk of turning into a full-fledged nuclear war. Third, this will be a catastrophic scenario for everyone."

He concluded that officials must not "lie to yourself and others," stressing they should focus on the consequences of their actions and not "choke on your own saliva in the paroxysms of Russophobia." 

Moreover, NATO allies have been expecting Finland and Sweden to apply to join the military alliance in the coming days and will grant membership quickly, according to diplomats and officials.

During the one-year ratification of their membership, NATO allies will be ramping up troop presence in the Nordic region, in addition to holding military exercises and naval patrols in the Baltic Sea and possibly rotating US and British forces in Finland and Sweden, according to the sources.