Iran Press /Europe: According to Russia’s Central Election Commission, he had some 87 percent of the vote with about 60 percent of precincts counted. The result means Putin, 71, will overtake Joseph Stalin and become Russia’s longest-serving leader in more than 200 years.
It was the first time that the presidential polls in Russia held in three days (March 15 to 17).
Putin says Russia-NATO conflict is 'one step away' from World War III
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday warned the Western powers that any direct conflict between Russia and the NATO alliance, led by the US, would mean the world will be "one step away" from a full-scale World War III, TASS reported.
West’s reaction to the Russian presidential election is no surprise, said Putin adding, "What did you expect from them, a standing ovation? They are fighting against us, fighting militarily."
As "a new generation of specialists" with a "more realistic view on current events" are replacing the old ones, the West will act against Russia "in a more sophisticated way." However, its ultimate goals will remain unchanged.
"A full-scale conflict between Russia and NATO cannot be ruled out. I think that everything is possible in the modern world. But I’m saying - and this is obvious to everyone - that, in this case, we will find ourselves just one step away from a full-scale World War Three. I think that hardly anyone is interested in having it," the president highlighted.
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2024 Russian presidential election begins
