The Kremlin has warned that “it seems to us that the end of the world is upon us”.

Vladimir Putin’s spokesman hit out at a breakdown in “international law” – even though it was Russia that triggered such turmoil with its own illegal four-year invasion of Ukraine.

The doom-laden warning for the planet came amid massive US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which the Kremlin labelled a “perfect storm”.

Russia appears helpless to assist Tehran except possibly in providing intelligence on American and Israeli military positions.

Iran may also have received Russian improvements to its Shahid drones which have been widely used to attack Ukraine.

But Putin’s mouthpiece Dmitry Peskov warned there was no modern equivalent of the threat facing the globe.

He was drafted in to make the “end of the world” warning after a Putin coughing fit – raising questions about the dictator’s health – was seen by millions of viewers.

“There have been worse things in human history….but we weren’t alive then, so it seems to us that the end of the world is upon us,” he said.

He neglected to mention that a key reason the US has gone to war is to stop Russian ally Iran obtaining powerful nuclear weapons which could threaten the planet.

Amid the war in the Middle East, Putin believes “we have all lost what we call international law”, said Peskov.

“To be honest, I don’t even understand how anyone can call on others to follow the norms and principles of international law. It no longer exists.”

Critics will see this as the height of hypocrisy after Russia flouted the world order in its invasion of Ukraine.

“It is unlikely that anyone can now formulate what law has replaced international law….No one can provide a clear definition,” said the Russian dictator’s frontman.

“Therefore, Putin is correct.

“Against the backdrop of this perfect storm that has now begun, we need to focus on ourselves, our interests, and our potential.

“Where it is lacking, we need to build it up, think carefully, and remain focused.”

This came as Ukraine staged an overnight strike on the region where a Putin palace is located.

Drones hit and exploded the Akron chemicals plant – key to Russian explosives manufacture – in Veliky Novgorod, only 85 miles from Valdai.

Last time the plant was hit in December, Putin went into a meltdown claiming – with no evidence – the drones were aimed at his forest-and-lakeside palace.

Ukrainian drones also targeted Russia’s main resort, Sochi on the Black Sea, where the dictator boasts another palace.