Vladimir Putin is gearing up for a “hot war”, according to a former British ambassador to Moscow Kiril Dudryavtsev/Getty ImagesEuropean security has not looked as perilous since the early 1980s. Russia does not believe that the West is serious about defending its frontline states, especially in the Baltic region. Many in the West do not believe that Russia is serious in its intention to divide and dominate Europe — and in its willingness to use force to do so. The great danger is that this combination of complacency and recklessness will provoke an accidental conflict. Sir Anthony Brenton, Britain’s former ambassador to Moscow, warned yesterday that President Putin was gearing up for a “hot war”.

Source: The Times October 28, 2016 23:06 UTC