Vladimir Putin warns Russia-NATO conflict is 'one step away from World War 3'

In his first public comments on Navalny’s death last month, Putin called his passing a “sad event”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's historic victory in the Presidential election on Sunday, cemented his long-standing control over the country amid widespread criticism and opposition protests.

He warned the West that a direct conflict between his country and the US-led Nato military alliance would mean the planet was one step away from World War Three.

With a staggering 87.8% of the vote, Putin’s victory marks the highest-ever recorded percentage in Russia’s modern electoral history, as per the exit poll by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM).

The Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) also mentioned similar figures, indicating overwhelming support for the incumbent president.

Why the world should take notice of Putin's victory speech

Putin in his election victory speech said Russia would not be “intimidated” as he became one of the longest-serving Russian leaders in more than 200 years.

“I want to thank all of you and all citizens of the country for your support and this trust. No matter who or how much they want to intimidate us, no matter who or how much they want to suppress us, our will, our consciousness — no one has ever succeeded in anything like this in history. It has not worked now and will not work in the future. Never,” Putin said early Monday morning, according to a report by news agency AFP.

Putin's first public comments on Alexei Navalny

In his first public comments on Navalny’s death last month, Putin called his passing a “sad event”. Using his name in public for the first time in years during a televised news conference, Putin said: “As for Mr. Navalny. Yes, he passed away. This is always a sad event.”

Putin said a colleague had proposed swapping Navalny several days before he died for “some people” who are currently held in prisons in Western countries. “The person who was talking to me hadn’t finished his sentence and I said ‘I agree'”

Putin also said there are risks of World War III if a conflict breaks out between Russia and the US-led NATO military alliance. He said it would mean that the world is one step away from World War Three. He quickly pointed out that no one wanted such a scenario.

The extraordinary results which Putin hailed as an indication of "trust" and "hope" in him were another reflection of the preordained nature of the election. The Russian leader only faced competition from three token rivals and any public criticism of him or his war in Ukraine was stifled.

(With agency inputs)