NATO assistance to Ukraine could lead to a direct clash between the countries of the alliance with Russia and a full-fledged nuclear war, warned Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev.

He noted that “pumping up” Ukraine with weapons, sending mercenaries and conducting exercises of the Alliance countries near the Russian borders “increase the likelihood of a direct and open conflict between NATO and Russia”.

Medvedev stressed that “this would be a catastrophic scenario for everyone”.

He said that Western countries have already unleashed a “proxy war” with Russia, and henceforth they should think about “the possible consequences of their actions”.