Putin signalled with animal comparisons that his country is ready for world war

Putin’s recent remarks are difficult not to interpret as an open threat – but does this truly mean the world must brace for war?

Discussions surrounding a potential Third World War have dominated international discourse for months, but tensions now appear to have reached a new and more dangerous level, warns the Daily Star. Russia is not only becoming increasingly explicit in its threats but is also beginning to show signs of military preparations. In a recent speech, President Vladimir Putin delivered a message that strongly echoed pre-war rhetoric.

Is Europe preparing for a world war?

The Moskovsky Komsomolets, a daily newspaper traditionally considered a mouthpiece of the Kremlin, has joined in fuelling tensions, recently publishing the startling claim that “Europe is preparing for war against Russia”. In the opinion piece, writer Lena Korszak alleges that French hospitals are already preparing to handle mass numbers of wounded soldiers, as up to 50,000 troops could be deployed by 2026.

Korszak further noted: “Europe is incapable of waging war against Russia on its own. According to British military experts, a force of at least 200,000 to 600,000 combat-ready troops would be required for a successful counter-offensive.” Reports suggest that the French Ministry of Health is already making preparations for 2026 to ensure the civilian healthcare system can treat wartime casualties.

Is the West to blame?

The article also sharply criticises Western nations, claiming they are preparing for war at every level – including healthcare, military logistics, and government administration.

As media outlets and political analysts dissect Europe’s military preparations, President Putin has continued to amplify war-related narratives. During a speech at a Russian economic forum, Putin invoked animal symbolism to illustrate Russia’s might. According to him, the bear represents Russia, the dragon symbolises China, and the elephant stands for India.

Bears, tigers – a full-blown menagerie

“The bear is naturally the symbol of Russia, but the world’s largest tiger, the Siberian tiger, lives with us in the Far East,” Putin declared, as though underscoring that Russia is stronger than ever and ready to face any external threat. He went on to state that 750 Siberian tigers reside in Russian territory, though it remains unclear what point he was attempting to make.

Amid symbolic oratory and increasingly martial rhetoric, Putin continues to project the message that Russia is not only militarily but mentally prepared for an imminent global confrontation. Clearly, the Kremlin is no longer solely seeking diplomatic solutions, but is girding itself across all sectors – including the economy and civil society – for wartime conditions.

The only question that remains is whether the brakes will be pulled in time.

Read also:

• Will Putin intervene if Orbán loses in 2026? Security expert warns of troubling signs
• Putin said he would tear Hungary away from NATO, but how would PM Orbán act?

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