We should not give in to Russian blackmail, threatening WWIII - Rinkevics

RIGA - We should not give in to Russian blackmail, threatening WWIII, Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics (New Unity) is convinced.

In his Twitter account, the foreign minister wrote that if Russia is threatening WWIII, this is a clear signal that Ukraine is gaining success. 

"We should not give in to Russian blackmail, but double our support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia," he said, adding that only a strong and consistent approach could restore international law and order.

The AFP news agency reports that Russia has warned of the "real" threat of World War III breaking out, ahead of a Tuesday meeting between the United States and allies over sending further arms to war-torn Ukraine.

Moscow's invasion of its neighbor has triggered an outburst of support from Western nations that has seen weapons pour into the country to help it wage war against Russian troops.

But Western powers have been reluctant to deepen their involvement, for fear of sparking a conflict against nuclear-armed Russia.

Speaking to Russian news agencies, Moscow's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the risk of a World War III "is serious" and criticized Kyiv's approach to floundering peace talks.

"It is real, you can't underestimate it," Lavrov said.