Ukraine launched a major drone strike on five Russian air bases ahead of scheduled peace talks in Istanbul. The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed the attacks, which damaged multiple aircraft. Ukraine said it had destroyed nearly 40 Russian aircraft, including TU-95 and Tu-22 bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The strike was prepared over 11 months by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).

The escalation comes just before the second round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. International observers said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is trying to increase pressure on Moscow before the talks begin on June 2. Russia’s delegation, led by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medynsky, has already reached Turkey. Despite the meeting, experts have said there is little hope for an immediate ceasefire.

World War 3: Fears of nuclear escalation resurface

The strikes have raised concerns about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin might respond with nuclear weapons. On May 4, Putin addressed the issue in a state television interview. “There has been no need to use those (nuclear) weapons … and I hope they will not be required. We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires,” he said.

Last year, Putin updated Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which now permits the use of nuclear weapons even in response to a conventional attack supported by a nuclear-armed country.’

Former Russian President Warned of World War III last week

Tensions escalated further this week as former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned of the threat of World War III amid rising hostilities between Washington and Moscow over the Ukraine conflict. Medvedev, who now serves in a senior security role, made the remark after a fiery statement from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump, writing on his social media platform Truth Social, criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming that his past leadership had prevented “really bad things” from happening to Russia. “He’s playing with fire!” Trump warned, seemingly frustrated by the absence of a ceasefire. Hours later, Medvedev responded on X, saying, “I only know of one REALLY BAD thing — WWIII. I hope Trump understands this!”

European nations prepare for broader conflict

In March this year, European countries advised citizens to prepare for emergencies. Governments in Sweden, Finland, and Germany have issued civil defence guides recommending stockpiling food, water, and medicines. These measures were advised amid rising military tensions and concerns about future security in the region.NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that Russia could attack Europe by 2030. “If anyone miscalculates and thinks they can get away with attacking Poland or any other ally, they will be met with the full force of this fierce alliance,” Rutte said during a visit to Warsaw, shortly after a Russian missile hit the Ukrainian city of Sumy.

Some defence experts believe that if Ukraine falls, Russia may try to advance into neighbouring countries such as the Baltic states, Finland, or Poland. According to military analysts, this could force NATO into direct conflict with Russia.

Many in US and Europe think ‘World War II likely within five to 10 years’

Last month, on the eve of eighty years after the end of the Second World War, new polling suggests that many people in the US and western Europe believe a more destructive global conflict could erupt within the next decade. Rising tensions with Russia are viewed as the most likely trigger for such a war.

The YouGov survey, conducted ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, found that between 41% and 55% of respondents in Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain considered another world war to be very or fairly likely within five to ten years. In the United States, 45% of those polled shared this concern. Most also said the lessons of the Second World War remain relevant and should continue to be passed on to younger generations.

Middle East and Asia add to global instability

While Europe prepares for potential escalation, the Middle East is witnessing renewed violence. Israel’s strikes in Gaza have put the ceasefire agreement at risk. In southern Lebanon, Hezbollah is under attack, and Syria remains unstable. The United States has carried out airstrikes in Yemen targeting Houthi forces. Reports suggest Iran may be working toward nuclear capability, with unconfirmed intelligence indicating a possible exchange of military technology between Russia and Iran.

Recently, tension increased between India and Pakistan after a terror attack in Pahalgam led by Pakistan-based terrorists. India launched a strike on nine terror targets in Pakistan, which escalated into a wider conflict between the two nuclear-powered nations.

Elsewhere in Asia, the US and China remain in a standoff over Taiwan, with both sides increasing military activity. Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warned that the rising pressure could push the world closer to a major conflict. Analysts have cautioned that the use of military force by either side could result in global consequences.

North Korea’s role in Ukraine raises further alarms

In January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian forces had captured North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian troops. According to reports, North Korea had sent hundreds of troops to support Russia. This raised further concerns about the growing number of countries indirectly involved in the Ukraine conflict.

Is a global war underway?

Military and political analysts are questioning whether the world is already in the early stages of a broader war. With conflicts intensifying in multiple regions and nuclear rhetoric on the rise, governments are adjusting their defence policies. European nations are deploying air defence systems such as the US-made Patriot missiles and Israel’s Arrow 3 interceptor. There is also ongoing discussion in Europe about creating a more independent nuclear deterrent, with countries like Poland expressing interest in tactical nuclear weapons.

Across capitals, officials stress that these are precautionary steps. However, the speed at which countries are increasing defence readiness and civil preparedness shows the level of concern.