Gorbachov Fears U.S. Policy Could Lead to a Hot War with Russia

In an interview with the Interfax news agency, Mikhail Gorbachov, who had presided over the dissolution of the Soviet Union more than two decades ago at the behest of his “friends” in the West, has expressed fear that the U.S. is dragging Russia into a hot war against West over Ukraine.

“Plainly speaking, the U.S. has already dragged us into a new Cold War, trying to openly implement its idea of triumphalism,”

Gorbachov said in an interview with Interfax.

“What’s next? Unfortunately, I cannot be sure that the Cold War will not bring about a hot one. I’m afraid they might take the risk,” he said.

The Russian TV broadcast network RT noted that Gorbachov’s criticism of Washington comes at a time when the West is pondering new sanctions against Russia, blaming it for the ongoing military conflict in eastern Ukraine, and alleging Moscow is sending troops to the restive areas.

“All we hear from the U.S. and the EU now is sanctions against Russia,” Gorbachov said. “Are they completely out of their minds? The U.S. has been totally lost in the jungle and is dragging us there as well.”

Gorbachov said the situation in the European Union is acute, with significant differences among politicians and different levels of prosperity among member nations.

“Part of the countries are all right, others not so well, and many, including Germany, are excessively dependent on the U.S.”

Meanwhile, RT cited a poll conducted by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center VCIOM in November 2014 that showed the possibility of a new Cold War was considered likely by more than 30% of Russians, the highest number in the past seven years. One-fourth of Russians (25% of respondents) believed such a conflict was already ongoing.