Weak’ West faces REAL THREAT as Putin wants to make Russia great again, MP warns

THE West’s refusal to respond in strength to Vladimir Putin’s continued displays of aggression has turned Russia into a real threat as it seeks to become a superpower again, a Labour MP has warned.

Liz Kendall said there could be no doubt Mr Putin is planning on restoring Russia to greatness as the leader has sparked global tensions by flaunting his war-ready military. 

In fear of another world war being imminent, a number of NATO countries have called on their allies to bolster up its armed forces in preparation. 

Especially nations in the Baltic States and Eastern Europe have expressed concerns that Russia is becoming a menacing force to be reckoned with. 

Ms Kendall told BBC1’s This Week programme: “The people in those countries believe there is a very real threat. 

People… say this is their major concern.”

The Labour politician said Mr Putin has grown bold not only because the United States has descended into turmoil as Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump battle for the White House, but because there has been no display of unity and strength. 

Ms Kendall continued: “One of the things I think is important, I don’t think it is just the vacuum created by the US during this election process, it’s been building for a long time.

“Putin has seen the weakness of the west over Crimea and the Ukraine, and also in Syria too.”

The MP for Leicester West added that Mr Trump giving his blessing to the Russian leader was also cause for concern.

She said: “And this has been happening for a long while and I think it is very interesting: You have Trump saying he wants to make America great again, Putin wants to make Russia great again. 

“The clear threat through all of his actions is to build Russia’s sphere of influence in the world. And Trump is actually giving him his blessing.”

Ms Kendall’s warning that Russia is a growing threat comes as chilling footage of more than 40 million people carrying out emergency drills in preparation for a nuclear attack emerged.

The drill, which reportedly included nearly 50,000 vehicles and 200,000 rescue 'specialists’, was carried out after Russian officials said the West wanted to launch nuclear strikes on the country. 

Moscow’s civil-defence plans are also reportedly set for an upgrade as tensions between Russia and the West intensify by the hour. 

Andrey Mishchenko, deputy head of the ministry, said: "An inventory was taken in Moscow of the city’s underground spaces, in order to allow us to plan for sheltering 100 per cent of the city’s population."

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/728808/West-faces-REAL-THREAT-Putin-Russia-great-again-MP-warns