Ukrainian crisis/ “West was 'dragging' Russia into confrontation”. 

Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet Union’s last leader and widely

credited for helping end the cold war, today blamed the West and the US in particular for “dragging” Russia into what he says could be a larger, “hot war” over Ukraine.

"Unfortunately I cannot say for sure that a cold war won't lead to a 'hot' one,” Mr. Gorbachev was quoted.  “I fear they could take the risk.”

In comments to Interfax news service, Mr. Gorbachev weighed in on the Ukraine crisis, which has taken more than 5,000 lives since the spring, saying an American thirst for “dominance” is behind the crisis.

 Gorbachev: Ukraine could explode into 'hot war' between Russia and the West