Russian President Vladimir Putin raised serious concerns over a potential World War III during a key address at the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Economic Times reported.
Speaking during a plenary session, Putin said rising regional tensions must not be taken lightly.
"It does concern me. There is no irony about it, this is no joke," Putin said, responding to a journalist who asked if he feared the world was heading toward WW3.
The Russian leader pointed to several ongoing crises. He cited his own country's war against Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and recent attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran by Israel.
“These conflicts need serious attention and peaceful solutions,” he said.
Putin also revealed he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and US President Donald Trump.
Russia had shared its vision for resolving the Iran-Israel crisis and hoped those proposals would be implemented, he added.
Putin also criticized western dominance and said the world is undergoing a shift in power.
"The G7's share of the global economy is shrinking. BRICS is growing. These are objective trends, and the changes they bring are inevitable," he said.
bd-pratidin/GR
