NATO's courting of ex-Soviet republics Ukraine and Georgia, countries the Kremlin regards as part of its own sphere of influence, has inflamed the Kremlin and led them to declaring the countries' accession as red lines. However, the expansion is most often driven by Russia's neighbours, fearful of Russian domination and the repression and corruption that comes with it. President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly threatened to unleash his massive nuclear arsenal as he rails against the United States for driving NATO's eastward expansion. However, Ukraine's membership bid was seen as largely symbolic, since full membership would require consent from all 30 NATO members, and ongoing territorial disputes are an obstacle for countries to join the alliance.
Just hours earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had formally proclaimed the annexation of up to 18 per cent of Ukraine. The warning comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a surprise bid for fast-track membership of NATO on September 30. 'The consequences would be disastrous for all mankind.' 'We must remember: a nuclear conflict will affect absolutely the whole world, not only Russia and the collective West, but every country on this planet,' Venediktov said. 'The suicidal nature of such a step is understood by NATO members themselves,' he added. 'Apparently, that's what they are counting on - to create informational noise and draw attention to themselves once again,' Venediktov said.
Venediktov, who is deputy to Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev, a powerful Putin ally, said he felt Ukraine's application was propaganda as the West understood the consequences of Ukrainian membership of NATO. ' Kyiv is well aware that such a step would mean a guaranteed escalation to World War Three,' TASS quoted Alexander Venediktov, the deputy secretary of Russia's Security Council, as saying. Russia has threatened World War Three if its foe Ukraine is granted membership into NATO, a Russian Security Council official was quoted as saying on Thursday.
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