A “full-scale World War 3” has started, a Russian State TV presenter has claimed in a chilling statement.
Olga Skabeyeva made the comments on state-run Rossiya 1 as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues.
Ms Skabeyeva told viewers that “what it's escalated into can safely be called World War 3".
She continued: “Now we're definitely fighting against NATO infrastructure, if not NATO itself. We need to recognise that.”
The presenter also claimed that Ukrainians “are welcoming Russian soldiers like real liberators” in some regions.
A boy rides a scooter near a building destroyed during Ukraine-Russia conflict
ALEXANDER ERMOCHENKO
Missile strikes continue to rain down on Ukraine
ALEXANDER ERMOCHENKO
She added: “For some reason ordinary Ukrainians themselves aren't noticing any genocide. In Kharkiv region they're welcoming our soldiers like real liberators.
“People are coming out with Russian tricolours onto the streets where our military kit is.”
While military commentator Dmitry Drozdenko also referred to World War 3.
Mr Drozdenko said on state-run Channel 1: “In actual fact a full-scale multi-level war is underway with the collective West. And the West has long been preparing for the war."
Their comments as NATO forces say they are “100 percent ready” to defend Europe should Putin decide to invade, a british military commander has said.
Lieutenant Ru Streatfeild, who is leading the battlegroup in Estonia, said British troops were “buzzing” and “immensely proud” to be helping reinforce the country’s eastern border with Russia.
Mr Streatfield said: “We are literally under NATO command right now. There are NATO plans in place, and whatever orders we are given under a NATO structure, we will execute them."
Asked if NATO forces were prepared in the event of a Russian invasion, he said: “100 percent. There is swagger. They are on their game and they are ready.
“It is not that people revel in this. But soldiers want to do a job. They want to put their tradecraft into practice.
“This is what they join the Army to do.”