A Russian lawmaker has issued a stark warning that the West’s support of a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region could trigger a global conflict, potentially leading to World War III. Mikhail Sheremet, a member of Russia’s defense committee, voiced his concerns in an interview with the state-run RIA news agency, citing the involvement of Western military equipment, ammunition, and foreign personnel in attacks on Russian territory as evidence of a rapidly escalating situation.
“The world is on the brink of a third world war,” Sheremet stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation. He highlighted that the use of Western-made missiles and the presence of foreign fighters in the incursion signify a dangerous escalation, transforming what was once a regional conflict into a potential global catastrophe.
This incursion, which began on August 6, has seen Ukrainian forces make significant strides into Russian territory, seizing control of more than 1,150 square kilometers and 82 settlements, including the key town of Sudzha. The advance, the largest foreign attack on Russian soil since World War II, has forced the evacuation of over 200,000 people from the region and marked a turning point in the ongoing conflict, showcasing Ukraine’s ability to strike deep within Russia.
Sheremet’s remarks echo the growing unease within Moscow about the increasing involvement of Western nations, particularly the United States, in the conflict. His comments follow those of Nikolai Patrushev, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, who accused NATO and Western intelligence agencies of orchestrating the incursion in an interview with Izvestia newspaper. While no concrete evidence has been presented to substantiate these claims, they reflect a rising sense of paranoia within the Kremlin and an effort to portray the conflict as a broader struggle against the West.
The situation has escalated rapidly in the Kursk region, prompting Russia to reinforce its defenses, particularly in the neighboring Belgorod region. Moscow has announced the recapture of at least one village in the Kursk area, but the fighting continues to be intense, leading to the displacement of more than 120,000 Russians from border areas.
Amid these developments, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reiterated his support for Russia, expressing confidence in Moscow’s victory in what he described as a “holy war for peace and justice.” Kim’s remarks, made earlier on Friday, underscore the international ramifications of the conflict as alliances and tensions continue to shift on the global stage.