The politician, who holds the post of chairman of the International Relations Committee of the Lower House of the Russian Parliament, pointed out that the statement made by Ukrainian president, Vladimir Zelensky, is equivalent to saying that the main nuclear powers confront each other.

“The only way now is for Kiev to lay down its arms and return to the negotiating table, and then the flow of bloody victims of the Kiev regime will be stopped,” Slutski opined.

The deputy noted that Western leaders in Kiev should weigh the situation.

“I hope you understand where you can take the wishes of your Kiev puppets in the current situation, and we warn you that Russia is aware of the steps it has taken,” Slutski added.

Hours earlier, Zelenski announced that he had signed a request for his country to join NATO in an accelerated manner.

Regarding Ukraine’s request to join NATO, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said countries must follow the established procedure to join the alliance. ef/acl/gfa