WW3 fears erupt as Russia ramps up threats against 3 NATO members

Vladimir Putin is reportedly laying the ground for future aggression (Image: Getty)

Russia is continuing to falsely portray European countries' efforts to increase their own defence capabilities as a threat to its national security, a move likely to support efforts to justify future "aggression against NATO", experts have said. European states have increased their defence spending in accordance with Donald Trump's wish to have the continent shoulder more of the burden for its collective security. But this is reportedly being manipulated by the Kremlin as it intensifies its threats against three countries.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) think tank highlights in its daily report on the conflict in Ukraine that Russian authorities organised the third Anti-Fascist Conference on April 30, which included military representatives from Belarus, North Korea, and Vietnam. Russian Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Viktor Goremykin claimed that Western states have supported the Ukrainian government in implementing "Russophobic" policies. He added that these constitute direct threats to Russia's security.

Putin has declared a ceasefire that coincides with commemorations of the end of WW2 in Europe (Image: Getty)

The ISW added: "Goremykin also claimed that the European Union's (EU) five-year rearmament defense plan is unacceptable to Russia, and that Russia will take 'all necessary' measures to protect its security.

"Belarusian Defense Minister General Viktor Khrenin also warned that European rearmament efforts threaten global peace and claimed that some European countries, particularly the Baltic States, promote Russophobia in their state policies."

Kremlin officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, have recently "intensified their threats" against Europe, experts note.

This includes particularly the Baltic States - Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

A mineral deal between the US and Ukraine has been signed (Image: Getty)

It comes as the US and Ukraine have signed a mineral deal that is expected to give the former access to the latter's mineral resources, while providing Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky with a measure of assurance about American support for Kyiv in its war with Russia.

In a message on X in the early hours of Thursday, the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said: “The UK welcomes the steps taken by the US and Ukraine to sign an economic partnership.

“The UK’s support for Ukraine remains steadfast. With our 100-year partnership, we are deepening economic and security ties for the future generations of both our countries.”