Could World War 3 happen?

THERE are increasing fears of a World War 3 as violence breaks out across the globe.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 initially raised questions but ongoing conflicts involving Iran and the Middle East, China and Taiwan, and North Korea has the world holding its breath.

Getty Images – GettyTensions across Europe, the Middle East and Asia are sparking huge fears of World War 3[/caption]

Could there be World War 3?

It’s been almost two years since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine and tensions between Russia and the West continue to rise.

While the exact death toll is unknown, officials claim Russia has lost more than 360,000 troops, while Ukraine has lost close to 70,000.

On top of that, estimates say that at least 10,000 civilians have been killed since Ukraine was invaded in February 2022.

Many fear the crisis in Ukraine could still develop into a wider armed conflict, with officials warning that further escalation could see the bloodiest conflict in Europe since WW2 if resulting in nuclear war.

And with reports of Putin’s health deteriorating, there are fears that he could turn to nuclear nuclerweapons out of desperation.

Ukraine has fought back courageously ever since and continued to defy the odds by defending itself against Russian onslaughts with the help of Western military aid.

In November 2022, WW3 tensions grew after it was reported that Russian-built missiles crossed into Poland, a Nato country.

Although the stray missile was likely fired by Ukraine as it defended its territory from a Russian onslaught, the incident marked the first time a Nato country has been hit during Russia’s war in Ukraine.

North Korea is also ready to pounce on the West as Putin’s alliance with deranged leader Kim Jong-Un continues to grow.

Just weeks ago Putin unleashed North Korean rockets in Ukraine, killing hundreds in an unprecedented development.

But Kim has also threatened to start a war of his own after labelling South Korea his “principal enemy” – adding that the nuclear weapons at his disposal are not to be ignored.

This came just days after his sister and prominent ally – Kim Yo-Jong – vowed to unleash an “immediate military strike” on neighbouring South Korea over the “slightest provocation”.

Across the Asian continent, fears continue to mount over a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

Beijing has already threatened to spark “uncontrolled escalation” and all-out warfare over one “misunderstanding”, as president Xi Jinping looks to stamp his authority.

Under his iron rule, he has committed gross human rights abuses against Uyghurs and strangled freedom in Hong Kong.

China regards self-governing island Taiwan as part of its territory – and has vowed to take it by force if necessary, carrying out ever more regular invasion rehearsals.

In the Middle East, Israel’s ongoing war with Palestinian terror group Hamas has widened the threat of Iran in recent months.

Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon have all been dragged into the conflict, as have the UK and US.

And Iran’s terror proxies – including Hezbollah and the Houthis – have already gone up against Israel, the US and UK.

But after Iran attacked targets inside Pakistan with bomb-carrying drones and rockets, fears of an all-out war in the Middle East have never been higher.

The most recent hint at a third World War is arguably the most terrifying, however.

Following almost two years of brutal warfare, a leaked military report yesterday showed Putin’s ten-step plan to bring the West to the brink of World War Three.

The secret documents described Putin’s possible “path to conflict” which would reach its climax in 2025 on “Day X” when half a million Nato and Russian soldiers face each other.

Why is Ukraine not in Nato?

Nato first floated the idea of Ukrainian and Georgian membership in 2008 under pressure from American President George W Bush.

However, France and Germany opposed – unanimous consent is required for any nations wishing to join Nato.

However, continued Ukrainian instability – including its proximity to war-hungry Russia – makes it unlikely that their request to join the organisation will be accepted any time soon.

As it stands, their non membership means that, amid invasion, Nato’s support is limited.

This is despite the unanimous backing of the West – including the UK.