The representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, warned the West against testing Russia’s patience with regard to nuclear weapons.

“Russia does not plan to go down the path of nuclear escalation in its confrontation with the West over Ukraine, but they should not test its patience,” Zakharova said during her regular press briefing.

Her comments follow a series of warnings from senior Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, that Western military support for Ukraine increases the risks of a catastrophic nuclear conflict.

“We will do everything to prevent the development of events according to the worst scenario, but not at the cost of violating our vital interests,” Zakharova continued in a warning tone, according to Reuters.

“I do not recommend anyone to doubt our determination and put it to the test,” he added.

“They [the US] continue to deliberately violate our fundamental interests, deliberately create risks, and raise the stakes in the confrontation with Russia… ” Zakharova added.

The former president of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, and a close associate of Putin said earlier this week that the world is “very likely on the brink of a new world war”.