Putin threatens there is a real risk of WW3 erupting, accusing the West of 'escalating the situation' and warning 'the dangers are increasing'
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Vladimir Putin has warned that World War Three could erupt if the West continues 'escalating the situation' in his latest existential threat over the war in Ukraine. The Russian dictator accused the West of antagonising the conflict but stopped short of saying World War Three was already underway.
![[He remained defiant in the face of what he called Western 'escalation']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/09/93419955-14220823-image-a-8_1734945886724.jpg)
'You know, there is no need to scare anyone,' he told a state TV reporter, caveating, 'there are many dangers - they are increasing'. 'And we see what our enemy is doing today, escalating the situation. If they want to, let them live badly, let them escalate further.
![[Ukrainian Ground Forces fire with a Leopard 2A4 tank during a field training at an undisclosed location in Ukraine, October 27]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/09/93419899-14220823-image-a-6_1734945831555.jpg)
'We will always respond to any challenge, always,' he said. Putin glossed over his role in escalating conflict in Europe with the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, instead boasting of his personal role in the 'historic' development of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile.
![[A major Russian ammunition depot goes up in flames in Rostov region after Ukrainian strike]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/09/93419961-14220823-image-a-11_1734945998219.jpg)
Last week, Putin went so far as to challenge the West to a 'high tech missile duel', suggesting he could warn of an attack with the experimental new weapon to see if Ukraine's allies can 'stop it in time'. Speaking on the Russia-1 television channel, he urged compromise from Western leaders, asserting: 'We are ready to look for these compromises, but without prejudice to our interests.'.
![[British Army soldiers take part in training near Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle on November 19]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/09/93419903-14220823-image-a-7_1734945833444.jpg)
Speaking on Russia-1, Putin warned that World War Three could still erupt. He remained defiant in the face of what he called Western 'escalation'. Ukrainian Ground Forces fire with a Leopard 2A4 tank during a field training at an undisclosed location in Ukraine, October 27.
![[Chilling images show Vladimir Putin's new Oreshnik hypersonic super-weapon attacking a defence plant in Dnipro, Ukraine on 21 November]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/09/93419957-14220823-image-a-15_1734946079455.jpg)
