Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his concern about the possibility of a Third World War during a speech at an international economic forum in St. Petersburg.
He declared that Russians and Ukrainians are one people and that, in this sense, all of Ukraine is "ours."
In response to the question of whether he is worried about a global war, Putin said: "It is worrying. I am speaking without any irony, without any jokes."
"Of course, there is a lot of conflict potential, it is growing and it is right under our noses, and it affects us directly," he added.
"This requires, of course, not only our careful attention to the events taking place, but also the search for solutions... preferably by peaceful means, in all directions," Putin said.
He added that Russia does not demand Ukraine's surrender, but rather recognition of the realities that have been created on the ground.
Putin did not rule out the possibility of Russia taking control of the Ukrainian city of Sumy, stressing that Russia has never denied Ukraine's sovereignty, but recalled that in 1991 Ukraine was a "neutral state."
The Russian president accused Ukrainian forces of crimes against civilians in the Russian Kursk region and defended the need to create a “security zone” along the borders. He also warned that using a contaminated bomb by Ukraine against Russia “would be Kiev’s last mistake.”
Regarding tensions between Iran and Israel, Putin expressed optimism about a diplomatic solution, stressing that the Russian approach to the conflict is “better than that of pressure” by the US. He said that Russia seeks solutions acceptable to both sides.