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Mikhail Gorbachev

Moscow — The last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has accused the United States of drawing Russia into a new Cold War and says he fears hostilities can escalate into armed conflict.The United States “has already drawn us into a new Cold War, trying openly to achieve its main idea of triumphalism,” Gorbachev said in an interview.

“Where will that lead all of us? A Cold War is already being waged openly. What’s next?” asked the 83-year-old former Soviet president who during his time in power eased relations with the West but is vilified in Russia for allowing the break up of the USSR.

“Unfortunately I can’t say for sure that a Cold War won’t lead to a ‘hot’ one. I fear they could take the risk,” Gorbachev said, apparently referring to the United States.

Gorbachev in November last year warned that the world was “on the brink of a new Cold War.”

In his latest comments, Gorbachev criticised the West for imposing sanctions on Russia.

“All you hear is about sanctions towards Russia from America and the European Union. Have they totally lost their heads?” Gorbachev asked.

In an article published in December last year, Gorbachev urged the US and the EU to “defrost relations” with Russia.

Gorbachev in the past has harshly criticised President Vladimir Putin for an “imitation” of democracy, but recently Gorbachev has backed the Kremlin line, saying that the world should welcome the annexation of Crimea by Russia for correcting a historic mistake. — AFP