NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg fears that a "full-blown" war between the West and Russia could break out.
Jens Stoltenberg is fearful of the Ukraine war escalating
The head of the military alliance has issued a dire warning about an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine that could involve several more countries.
Stoltenberg told Norwegian broadcaster NRK: "I fear that the war in Ukraine will get out of control, and spread into a major war between NATO and Russia."
The former prime minister of Norway is hoping to avoid the worst-case scenario but acknowledges that the threat of a full-scale conflict is there.
He said: "If things go wrong, they can go horribly wrong."
Stoltenberg claims that it is critical that NATO leave Russian leader Vladimir Putin in no doubt that it has the capability to defend its member states and highlighted the organisation's increased presence in eastern countries.
He said of the tyrant: "He knows it's one for all, and all for one. NATO's most important task is to prevent a full-scale war in Europe and that is something we work on every single day."
Stoltenberg addressed the impact that the war has had across the rest of Europe but insists that economic pain is a price worth paying for if it helps Ukraine.
He said: "I understand everyone who is tired of supporting Ukraine. I understand everyone who thinks that food prices and the electricity bills are far too high.
"But we have to pay a much higher price if our freedom and peace are threatened through Putin winning in Ukraine."