World Catastrophe If NATO Clashes With Russian Army: Putin

Any direct confrontation between NATO and the Russian army would result in a "world catastrophe,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a news conference in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana on Friday.

Putin’s reaction comes out after a day when EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned Moscow not to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine. 

He said that direct contact or clashes between NATO soldiers and the Russian army are extremely risky moves that might result in a worldwide catastrophe. I hope people who say this are wise enough not to act on their words.

According to a White House statement, the Group of Seven (G7) nations cautioned on Tuesday that using nuclear weapons against Ukraine would have serious implications.

G7 leaders (the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Canada, the United States, France, and Japan) stated, "We condemn Russia's deliberate escalation moves, including partial mobilisation of reservists and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, which endangers world peace and security. We reiterate that any use of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons by Russia would result in serious repercussions."

Putin reprised his nuclear threats as he proclaimed the capture of Ukrainian territory, some of which Russia does not control and the mobilisation of 300,000 reservists to bolster his faltering assault.