Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev says tensions between Russia and the West have hit such high levels that outright war is right around the corner.
He was speaking in context of the 5,100-plus people who have been killed in conflicts in Ukraine, The Associated Press reported. Ukraine says Russia has been helping the separatists; Russia, for its part, blames the West for stoking flames and working behind the scenes to press Ukraine to retake rebel strongholds.
Mr. Gorbachev’s comments to the Interfax news agency accused that the West has “dragged” Russia into a new Cold War — and said more tensions could come.
“I can no longer say that this Cold War will not lead to a ’hot war.’ I fear that they could risk it,” he said, AP reported.
Mr. Gorbachev was a key player in dismantling the rule of communism in eastern Europe.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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