The former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev has accused the US of dragging Russia into a new Cold War.

The former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev has accused the US of dragging Russia into a new Cold War.

Gorbachev fears the chill in relations could eventually spur an armed conflict.

“Plainly speaking, the US has already dragged us into a new Cold War, trying to openly implement its idea of triumphalism,” Gorbachev said in an interview with Interfax.

The former USSR leader, whose name is associated with the end of the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States, is worried about the possible consequences.

“What’s next? Unfortunately, I cannot be sure that the Cold War will not bring about a ‘hot’ one. I’m afraid they might take the risk,” he said.