'Nonsense': Putin dismisses Biden's Nato warning, asserts no interest in conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin unequivocally rejected US President Joe Biden's assertion that Russia would target a Nato country in the event of a victory in Ukraine, dismissing it as "complete nonsense." 

In an interview with Rossiya state television, Putin countered Biden's warning, saying: "Russia has no reason, no interest — no geopolitical interest, neither economic, political nor military — to fight with Nato countries." 

Putin questioned Biden's motives, suggesting an attempt to justify a "mistaken policy" on Russia. 

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has strained Moscow's relations with the West significantly, with Biden cautioning that a direct NATO-Russia confrontation could escalate into World War Three. 

Despite the heightened tensions, Putin asserted that Russia harbours no intentions of engaging in hostilities with the Nato military alliance.

Putin, critical of Nato's post-Cold War expansion, particularly Finland's potential entry in April, hinted at the deployment of military units near the border in response. 

The Russian leader rejected notions of a new Cold War, emphasising the need for the West to recognise the changes brought about by the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. 

Putin portrayed the conflict as part of a broader struggle with the United States, alleging a Western agenda to dismantle Russia, exploit its resources, and subsequently confront China. 

Dismissing Western claims of Russia and China as primary threats, Putin underscored the failure to comprehend the post-Soviet geopolitical landscape.

Despite the adversarial rhetoric, Putin suggested finding common ground, asserting that the West would need to reckon with Russia. 

The interview revealed Putin's perspective on historical events, emphasising the misconceptions surrounding Russia's resilience and global positioning since the Soviet Union's dissolution in 1991.