English 
Spanish 
5 min read
3 comments
Europe is facing a critical moment. Warnings from authorities, nuclear threats from Putin and preparations for crises are rekindling fears of a Third World War. Scandinavian countries and European powers are already taking emergency measures, while experts assess the real risk of an expanded conflict.
The feeling of historical déjà vu has haunted Europe and the world in recent months.
The growing tension between the Russia and the West, combined with worrying statements from global leaders, has put the possibility of a global conflict back on the agenda.
European officials speak openly about the need to prepare for the worst-case scenario: a new world war.
- Dismissal of civil servants shocks workers in Brazilian city
- Brazil is now the country with the highest taxes in the world after a controversial tax reform that divides economists, politicians and scares the population
- Why does Trump want to buy Greenland?
- Brazil's GDP growth hits 2,8% in 2024, but World Bank warns of fiscal challenges due to pension spending and public debt
But what is really behind this alarming scenario? In speeches, meetings and preventive measures, politicians and the military have given clear signs that the situation is far from stabilizing.
As reported by BBC Brazil, the increase in the warlike tone and the movements behind the scenes have put the European continent on high alert.
Europe on alert: an imminent war?
On 25 November, Admiral Rob Bauer, chairman of the military committee of the Nato, asked that European companies prepare for a possible war scenario.
The recommendation includes adjustments to production and distribution lines, aiming reduce dependence on countries like Russia and China.
According to Bauer, “It is economies that win wars, not just the military".
The officer's words echo at a time of escalating tensions.
Recently, Vladimir Putin announced changes to protocols for the use of nuclear weapons by Russia, relaxing the criteria for using this type of weapon in a conflict.
Furthermore, he directly threatened countries like United Kingdom e United States, if they allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied missiles in attacks on Russian territory.
“We consider that we have the right to use our weapons against military bases in countries that allow attacks against us,” Putin declared in a speech broadcast to the nation.
Scandinavia takes preventive measures
Amid growing threats, Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Norway e Finland, have implemented actions to prepare their populations.
According to BBC Brazil, millions of Swedes received a pamphlet entitled “If there is a crisis or war”, with guidelines on how to act in emergency situations.
The new edition of the booklet, distributed in November, is the twice the size from the previous version, released six years ago.
The initiative was motivated by worsening security scenario, especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Finland, which borders Russia, has also published detailed crisis preparedness instructions online.
In Denmark, the government sent a emergency guide by email with guidelines on water, food and medicine needed to survive for three days.
The Norwegians were advised to guarantee autonomy of at least one week in case of war or other crises.
Prime ministers and leaders warn of global war
The tension is not limited to practical actions. Important politicians have issued clear warnings about a global threat.
The Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk classified the moment as a “serious and real threat”. According to him, recent events indicate that the conflict is in decisive phase.
“None of us knows what the end of this conflict will be, but we know that it is assuming dramatic dimensions,” Tusk said in a speech.
Furthermore, the British Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Rob Magowan, stated that the UK armed forces are ready to fight if Russia invades Eastern Europe.
According to him, “We must have no illusions. If the Russians attack, we will fight.”.
Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine's former military commander-in-chief, was even more emphatic: “World War III has already begun.”
For him, the growing alliance between Russia, China, Iran and North Korea is a clear indication that the conflict is expanding.
Race for shelters in Europe
The imminent war scenario provoked a race for bomb shelters in countries like Spain e Germany.
According to reports to BBC Brazil, specialized companies have seen the demand for bunkers triple in recent months.
“People don’t want to waste time anymore. Many are already looking for us with the intention of buying,” explained Guillermo Ortega, owner of the company Bunker World, in Spain.
In addition, German authorities are mapping underground stations, parking lots and public buildings that can serve as shelters in case of bombing.
Russia and Putin's next steps
According to a Steve Rosenberg, Russia editor of BBC News, the behavior of Vladimir Putin is unpredictable.
The Russian president has been betting on a strategy of escalation of tensions, with the aim of achieving their geopolitical interests.
Rosenberg highlighted that, over the past few years, Putin advanced with invasions and threats without retreating.
“I once said that Putin is like a car without brakes, accelerating to the max. Little has changed since then,” said the editor.
On the other hand, Rosenberg pointed out that the possible Donald Trump's victory in the American elections in 2025 could be a game changer.
Trump has previously expressed skepticism about military support for Ukraine and Nato.
This, according to the editor, could influence Moscow's stance in the coming months.
What to expect?
Specialists like Richard Caplan, from the University of Oxford, claim that European preparedness for conflict is justified.
Caplan believes that the risk of war “it is plausible”, especially due to the possibility of new Russian offensives in neighboring countries, such as the Baltic States, which are part of the Nato.
On the other hand, memories of past wars still influence the European population.
“Preventative measures help ease people’s anxiety, but they can have the opposite effect, increasing fear,” concluded Caplan.
There are so many threats that they should take the rulers of each country and give each one a sword, put them in their place and let them fight until they kill each other. That way they wouldn't sacrifice innocent people.
Too much talk ****. Let's start this war right away, stop talking ****. The world is in conflict and the third war is just beginning. Putin is the new Hitler.