Russia warns Ukraine peacekeepers could spark WW3

Sergei Shoigu, Russia's former defense minister and current secretary of the Russian Security Council, has issued strong warnings that any deployment of Western peacekeeping forces or a so-called 'coalition of the willing' in Ukraine could escalate into direct conflict between NATO and Russia, risking World War III. Shoigu emphasized Moscow's willingness to use nuclear weapons in response to what it perceives as Western aggression or threats to itself or Belarus, and even suggested Russia could resume nuclear weapons testing in the Arctic, a practice not seen since the Cold War. He argued that European countries are covertly preparing for a military confrontation with Russia by 2030 and questioned the legitimacy of Western peacekeeping efforts, describing them as interventions or occupations rather than genuine peace missions. Shoigu also criticized the West, particularly the UK, for supporting Ukraine and building military infrastructure near Russian borders. These remarks underline Russia's ongoing opposition to any Western involvement in Ukraine beyond material support, amplifying nuclear threats in response to such proposals.