The last thing we want to read as we hopefully come out of a pandemic is anything about the prospect of World War III, but here we are.
The good news is Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn't think it will happen - but that's because he thinks Russia would easily win.
Putin was talking about the possibility of global warfare as a response to recent reports - denied by the UK - that Russia had fired a warning shot at one of Britain's warships in the Black Sea and a warplane dropped bombs in front of it.
Advert
Russia claimed the boat had entered Russian waters, with the UK denying any of this had happened.
Regardless of what was true and what wasn't, it was undoubtedly a moment of tension for the two countries and to further stoke the fire, Putin claimed Russia sinking the ship wouldn't have led to World War III - because the West know they could never win it.
As reported by the Associated Press, Putin told a call-in show: "Even if we had sunk that ship, it would be hard to imagine that it would put the world on the brink of World War III because those who do it know that they can't emerge as winners in that war, and it's very important."
Advert
Putin also said that a US reconnaissance aircraft worked with the British destroyer during the 'provocation' incident.
"The destroyer had been warned that weapons would be used if it trespasses the border of the Russian Federation. It did not react to the warning," the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Given that Putin was also hostile towards the Ukraine in the news conference - Russia annexed internationally recognised Ukrainian territory in 2014 and tensions have been high ever since - it seems like he might be spoiling for a fight.
Advert
So could it happen?
Well, according to a self-confessed time traveller back in May, we aren't expecting World War III until 2048. Phew.
The TikTok user - who goes by the handle @timetraveler2582 - posted the video alongside a series of clips with the message: "I have been asked when will WW3 take place. I will be answering the question today."
They added: "Unlike the two previous World Wars, WW3 wasn't a 'total war' but rather a precision war."
Advert
The time traveller then went on to explain: "WW3 will start in 2048 but the world war is generally said to have begun on Thanksgiving day, 2051."
Giving more details, said: "The cause of this war will be with the attack on the US orbital defense network and subsequent declarations of war.
"On Turkey by Poland and India as well as declarations of war on Japan by the USA and Korea."
So we've got a few more years to go yet.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: War, World News, vladimir putin, Russia