The former Russian president warned that NATO invasion of Crimea could lead to World War III, and that Moscow was fully committed to defending its control over it.

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Monitoring: Former Russian President and Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has told local media that Moscow is fully committed to defending its control over the Crimean peninsula in southern Ukraine.
 
"For us, Crimea is part of Russia, and it is permanent," Medvedev was quoted as saying by Arty. "Any attempt to invade Crimea is a declaration of war against our country."
 
"And if this is done by a NATO member, it means a conflict with the entire North Atlantic Alliance; third World war.
 
US President Joe Biden yesterday stressed his country's continued support for Ukraine and its confrontation with Russia, claiming that Russia's invasion of Ukraine shook the foundations of international custom.
 
Washington also detained a Russian tanker bound for the port of New Orleans in Louisiana.
 
The US Treasury Department also announced the expansion of its sanctions list against Russia, which includes more than 50 people and 110 Russian entities.
 
The US Treasury Department also sanctioned gold imports from Russia as part of Western sanctions against Russia following the war.