Russia's Next Target: Former US VP Warns of NATO Border Threat if Ukraine Falls

Russia Will Cross NATO Border if Ukraine Falls, Former US VP Says In a stark warning, former US Vice-President Mike Pence has stated that if President Vladimir Putin succeeds in his war in Ukraine, "it'll only be a matter of time before he crossed the border of a NATO country." This dire prediction was made during a recent speech at a security conference, where Pence emphasized the need for collective action to counter Russian aggression. According to Pence, who served as Vice-President under Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021, Putin's actions in Ukraine are a clear threat not only to regional stability but also to global security. "If we allow Russia to succeed in Ukraine, it will embolden them to take further action against NATO countries," Pence warned. Pence's comments come as tensions between Russia and the West continue to escalate. The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people. Despite international efforts to broker a peace deal, fighting continues, with both sides accusing each other of violating ceasefire agreements. The former Vice-President's warning is not an isolated one. NATO officials have long expressed concerns about Russia's military build-up along the alliance's eastern flank. In 2020, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned that Russia's actions in Ukraine were a "clear breach" of international law and a threat to regional stability. Pence's comments also highlight the ongoing debate within NATO about how to respond to Russian aggression. Some member states have called for increased military spending and a more robust defense posture, while others argue for diplomacy and dialogue with Moscow. The implications of Pence's warning are far-reaching. If Russia were to cross into a NATO country, it could trigger a wider conflict involving multiple nations. This would not only put the lives of thousands at risk but also have significant economic and geopolitical consequences. In response to Pence's comments, a spokesperson for the Russian Embassy in Washington said that Moscow is committed to resolving the conflict in Ukraine through diplomatic means. "We reject any attempts to escalate tensions or create a sense of urgency where none exists," the spokesperson stated. The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing to exchange fire and accusations. As the world waits with bated breath for a resolution, one thing is clear: the fate of Ukraine and the stability of Europe hang precariously in the balance. Background The conflict in Ukraine began in 2014, when pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted from power following months of protests. Since then, fighting has continued between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Additional Perspectives Dr. Fiona Hill, a former senior director for European and Russian affairs at the National Security Council, said that Pence's warning is "not an exaggeration." "Russia's actions in Ukraine are a clear threat to regional stability and global security," she stated. In contrast, some analysts argue that Pence's comments are overly alarmist. "While Russia's actions in Ukraine are certainly concerning, it's not clear that they pose an immediate threat to NATO countries," said Dr. Mark Kramer, a senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. Current Status and Next Developments The conflict in Ukraine continues to simmer, with both sides accusing each other of violating ceasefire agreements. As tensions remain high, the international community waits for a resolution to this long-standing crisis. In the meantime, Pence's warning serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation. If Russia were to cross into a NATO country, it could have far-reaching consequences for global security and stability. *Reporting by Bbc.*