Russian incursions into NATO airspace and threats from cronies of Vladimir Putin have fuelled speculation World War 3 could break out. Sabre-rattling former Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev, this week warned the West that if US President Donald Trump supplied Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, it would “end badly for everyone”.
Russia has denied reports of fighter jets entering Estonia’s airspace in recent weeks, while drones appearing in Poland prompted concerns Moscow was testing NATO’s defence. Members of the military alliance have announced ambitions to ramp up defence spending in response to Russian aggression.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, China recently showed off its military might as it marked 80 years since Imperial Japan was defeated, bringing World War 2 to an end.
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While efforts are being made to avoid a trade war between the US and China escalating, a possible military confrontation between the world’s first and second largest economies is expected to centre on Taiwan.
Beijing claims the island as part of China’s own sovereign territory despite Taipei’s protestations to the contrary. China has taken an increasingly aggressive position towards Taiwan while the US has boosted its support for the island.
North Korea is also considered a threat, with the hermit kingdom believed to be modernising its nukes and missiles. Pyongyang has already sacrificed scores of soldiers in Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.
An invasion by North Korea into South Korea would likely lead to Western countries aiding Seoul as China and Russia side with Pyongyang.
But cool heads and diplomacy could prevail as countries negotiate their way out of a disaster.