Malaysia's Mahathir on Ukraine: Small conflicts 'grow into world wars'

At age 96, former leader shares unique perspective on history -- and longevity

20220527 Malaysia Former Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad

Malaysia's former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad shares his perspective on the Ukraine war at Nikkei's Future of Asia conference. (Photo by Suzu Takahashi) 

RYOTARO SATO and KENTARO IWAMOTO, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Russia's invasion of Ukraine risks escalating into another world war, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned at Nikkei's Future of Asia conference on Friday, calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

"I am afraid that wars have a habit of beginning small and then grow into world wars," he said on Day 2 of the event in Tokyo.

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