Russia Armed and Ready For New Cold War With US; Ex-USSR Pres. Gorbachev Believes 'Signs' Emerging

Former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev has warned of a brewing new Cold War between Russia and the United States. Unless the West stops building "fences" around Russia, the world will continue to witness signs of a new Cold War.

In his interview with Russian news agency TASS, Gorbachev feared the sanctions or fences being built around Russia may be pushing towards an "anti-Russian way." He said he is seeing signs of a Cold War emerging and believes the entire process must be stopped like what happened in the 1980s. Gorbachev said Russia had chosen to deescalate and reunify during harsher times.

Gorbachev blamed the U.S. for this latest round of confrontation between Russia and the West. He said in the interview that it was the Americans who decided they had won the Cold War. However, he refused to praise Russian authorities since they also "make certain mistakes." Gorbachev believes the source of danger comes from the American "trumphator's spirit."

The former Soviet Union president further said Russia had experienced difficult times after the Soviet Union's collapse and the U.S. had taken advantage of it. Gorbachev said but today was different because Russia is well-armed. He mentioned that it was good to see Russian President Vladimir Putin taking care of security, strengthening the military and developing weapons. He has no doubt that if anything happens, Russia can "hit back."

When asked if something can be done to stop the signs of a new Cold War, Gorbachev believes it was not too late since there will be people who are courageous enough to put an end to the growing danger. He urged the building of a new world order that can address global challenges. He declared he is ready to join the rebuilding process after he was approached by several influential people from the U.S.

Gorbachev did not say anything about their identities but only described the people who approached him as influential veterans. He said the process should begin in Europe since it has a positive influence and the ability to become an "engine" to rebuild a new world. He remains confident that the U.S. and Russia will be able to resume a dialogue similar to the one after the first Cold War 25 years ago.