Vladimir Putin warns West of WWIII amidst Russia-Ukraine war

After sweeping the 2024 Russian elections by 88%, President Vladimir Putin in his victory speech, early on Monday, warned the West that a direct conflict between United States led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries and Russia, would push the world towards a World War III, India Today reported. 

Furthermore, for the first time, he uttered his opponent Alexei Navalny’s name who passed away last month in prison. He said, "It happens. There is nothing you can do about it. It's life."

Putin also shared that some days prior to Navalny's death, he had supported the idea of releasing him in a prisoner swap, on the condition that he would never return back to Russia.

Russia, which is at war with Ukraine since 2022, conducted presidential election in occupied Ukrainian territories as well. In response, Ukraine said that the election violated international law and therefore are "null and void", CNN reported.

The elections which were held from March 15-17 have attracted immense criticism from the West who are calling it a "sham", with the White House saying that elections were not "free and fair".

In response to which Putin raised questions on the credibility of the US election, he said, "The whole world is laughing at what is happening there. It is just a catastrophe – it is not democracy – what on earth is it?"

After winning the elections with an unprecedented majority, Putin will remain in office for the next six years till 2030.