'We may not live through these days': Is Mikhail Gorbachev warning that the crisis in Ukraine could turn into World War III?

It is no secret that relations between the United States-and its allies in Europe-and Russia have chilled to levels unseen since the end of the Cold War over the ongoing civil war in Ukraine. What is surprising is just who is issuing a warning about the potential crisis the world is headed towards.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Mikhail Gorbachev, former leader of the Soviet Union, has long been hailed as one of the leading architects between the thawed relations undergone by the West and Soviets and the democratization of Russia; but now he is warning that the world may be facing a crisis that could go hot, if leaders in America and Russia are unwilling to see eye-to-eye beyond Ukraine.

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"This is extremely dangerous, with tensions as high as they are now. We may not live through these days: someone could lose their nerve" the aging Soviet statesman wrote in a Russian newspaper.

"I suggest the leaders of Russia and the United States think about holding a summit with a broad agenda, without preliminary conditions," he added.

"One needn't be afraid of 'losing face', that someone will gain a propaganda victory: this should all belong in the past. One needs to think about the future."

Since the civil war began in Ukraine, the West has accused Russia of sending troops, weapons and aid to rebel fighters, something Vladimir Putin has denied. In response, the U.S., much of Europe, and other world powers have set up sanctions against Russia that have caused the country to go into a major financial recession.

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