Is Russia preparing for World War 3 ? Vladimir Putin claims his nation will boast “ military superiority ” over the West until at least 2020. Putin is allegedly moving ahead with plans to enhance Russia’s nuclear arsenal despite recession prompted by decreasing oil prices and sanctions levied by the United States.
Russia’s top military general, Valery Gerasimov, recently said that Vladimir Putin’s army will receive more than 50 new nuclear missiles with intercontinental capabilities in 2014. A multi-billion military modernization plan is also reportedly underway in Moscow.
“Support for our strategic nuclear forces to ensure their high military capability combined with growth of the military potential of the general forces will assure that [the United States and NATO] do not gain military superiority over our country,” General Gerasimov said. “Western countries are actively using new forms of aggression, combining military as well as non-military means. Political, economic and information methods are also being used.”
During the presidential debates between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama , Romney said, “Russia is a geopolitical foe, and I said in the same and Iran is the greatest national security threat we face. Russia does continue to battle us in the U.N. time and time again. I have clear eyes on this. I’m not going to wear rose-colored glasses when it comes to Russia, or Mr. Putin.”
President Obama responded with, “The 80s are calling, they want their foreign policy back.” The recent movement and comments from Russia and Vladimir Putin , coupled with the alleged Russian spies caught on American soil, have caused many to ponder once again, the exchange between the two political rivals. Earlier today, Mitt Romney announced that he would not be throwing his hat into the presidential ring a third time.
World War 3 theories and predictions have abounded in recent months, partly due to ongoing activities in Russia and Iran. Russian war planes were reportedly been spotted in increasing amounts over Europe near the end of 2014.
Yesterday, British officials complained to their Russian ambassador about tow long-range bombers which were spotted flying over the English Channel. British authorities reportedly “rerouted” the Russian planes.
“We plan to fulfill the government armament program and reach by 2020 the intended quantities of modern weapons systems,” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said. The Russian military modernization project reportedly includes plans to “revamp” its weapons systems to ensure that at least 70 percent of weapons and equipment utilized by the armed forces are up to new modern technology and use standards.
Although the exact state of Russia’s nuclear capabilities is not known, military officials reportedly believe that the nation led by Vladimir Putin currently possesses 8,500 warheads – 1,000 more than the United States reportedly possesses.
Do you think a World War 3 is possible?
[Image via: O Canada ]