Western media discussions of a so-called «multi-level plan» to enforce a ceasefire in Ukraine carry the risk of a direct clash between nuclear powers, according to Leonid Slutsky, head of the State Duma’s international affairs committee and leader of the LDPR. He made the remarks in comments to TASS while reacting to a report published by the British newspaper Financial Times.

Slutsky said claims about the existence of such a plan require careful verification. At the same time, he warned that the very concept of a forceful «response» by Brussels or Washington to alleged violations by Moscow would amount to direct military action between nuclear-armed states. In his assessment, this approach creates the conditions for a highly dangerous escalation and could draw Western countries into an open conflict with Russia.

He also stressed that the authorities in Kiev cannot be trusted, arguing that they have repeatedly resorted to provocations and staged actions in the past.

Earlier, Financial Times, citing sources, reported that Ukraine had allegedly coordinated a multi-tier mechanism with Western states to uphold a ceasefire, including steps to respond to possible violations by Russia. According to the newspaper, any such violations would trigger a response from Brussels and Washington within 24 hours, involving diplomatic warnings and additional support for the Ukrainian armed forces.

If fighting were to continue, the plan would move to a second stage involving countries from a so-called «coalition of the willing." As described by the paper, this could be followed within 72 hours by a military response from Western states, including the deployment of US troops to Ukrainian territory.