Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on December 2 that if Europe wants a war with Russia, his country is ready for war. He also added that the European powers will face a defeat so strong that there will be no one left for peace negotiations.
The statement came while commenting on the words of the Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto, who claimed that Europe was preparing a war against Russia.
Putin also said it is not his intention to start a war against European powers, although he believes European nations are trying to undermine US President Donald Trump’s peace efforts regarding the situation in Ukraine.
Once a more cooperative partnership, ties between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Moscow have deteriorated sharply, today resembling the tense standoff of the Cold War. NATO leaders view Russia as a direct security threat, but repeated warnings and condemnations from the Alliance have so far had little effect on the Kremlin.
So, how has a previously constructive relationship between NATO and Russia turned so fractious? Click through this gallery and find out more about why Russia fell out with NATO.