For many, the Cold War tensions with Russia had become a distant memory… until, of course, NATO and Russia squared off over the Ukraine issue.

Now, American-backed NATO forces have been brought back to the brink of World War III — an astounding 66 TIMES — just in the last year and a half.

According to the UK Express:

WAR between Russia and Nato forces has been imminent a terrifying 66 times over the last 18 months, according to experts.

Recordings of the “close military encounters” have soared since March last year – with relations between the pair breaking down over the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

[…]

Director of ELN Ian Kearns said the war games “are contributing to a climate of mistrust” that have “on occasion become the focal point for some quite close encounters between the Nato and Russian militaries.”

In a report published by the European Leadership Network (ELN), the ministers warned: “The situation is ripe with potential for either dangerous miscalculation or an accident that could trigger a worsening of the crisis or even a direct military confrontation.”

Nato forces are planning approximately 270 exercises this year, according to an ELN study – while Russia has announced a staggering 4,000 drills.

[…]

Russia’s foreign ministry claimed the drills are “a clear demonstration of NATO’s provocative policy to unequivocally support the policies of current Kiev authorities in eastern Ukraine”.

From the contentious and highly questionable downing of flight MH370 to reports of Russian troops escalating on the border, relations between Putin and the West have reached an all-time high, so much so that World War III is at stake.

Things have gotten so bad that Henry Kissinger, Nixon’s notorious power behind the throne, has warned the U.S. to stop “backing Kiev at all costs” and that “breaking” Russia was not a viable option.

As Americans face the potential of WW3, President Obama, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has done relatively little to address the issue, or to calm the flames threatening to engulf the planet. Instead, action from the West has been proxied through NATO and through the puppet leader in Kiev.

Putin, for his part, has remained staunch despite sanctions and shaming by the West.

Unfortunately, this crisis shows no signs of abatement even as tinder box stands ready to explode at any given moment.

Read more:

Full Mobilization: Either Russia Is Positioning Troops for a Massive Offensive… Or This Is The Most Expensive Military Exercise in World History

Ukraine Failed Attempt to ‘Break Russia’? Kissinger Warns U.S. “Stop Backing Kiev At All Costs”

Escalation: Putin Deploys Invasion Force of 80,000 Troops; Border On Lockdown *Video*

‘We Will Attack’: Ukrainian President Prepares for Offensive