Vladimir Putin Asked If World War 3 Is Nearing. His ‘No Jokes, No Irony’ Reply

Last Updated:June 20, 2025, 23:29 IST

Vladimir Putin said in response to a direct question about the likelihood of a world war, “It is disturbing. I am speaking without any irony, without any jokes."

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was “worried" about rising global tensions and the potential for all-out conflict, when asked if he believed the world was heading toward World War Three.

Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin struck a somber tone, citing a “growing" risk of war across multiple fronts- including Russia’s own war in Ukraine, the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran and rising instability around nuclear sites.

“It is disturbing. I am speaking without any irony, without any jokes," Vladimir Putin said in response to a direct question about the likelihood of a world war. He added, “There is a lot of conflict potential, it is growing, and it is right under our noses — and it affects us directly."

Vladimir Putin expressed particular concern over the situation in Iran, where Israeli strikes have targeted nuclear facilities and military bases.

“This requires not only our careful attention to the events taking place," Vladimir Putin said, “but also the search for solutions preferably by peaceful means in all directions."

Israel-Iran Conflict

His comments come amid an increasingly volatile international landscape as on June 13 Israel launched a wide-ranging aerial assault on Iranian targets. In retaliation, Iran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israeli cities and infrastructure. The exchange has killed hundreds in Iran and dozens in Israel, with no sign of de-escalation.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that some of Iran’s nuclear facilities- including the underground Natanz enrichment site- sustained direct damage. The UN nuclear watchdog also warned of radiological and chemical contamination inside at least one site, though off-site levels remain normal.

Vladimir Putin, whose country is already locked in a protracted war with Ukraine, also warned that continued Western arms shipments and interventionist policies are raising the risk of broader war. He said, “The conflict potential is growing. It affects us all and we must look for peaceful solutions."

Location :

Moscow, Russia

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News world Vladimir Putin Asked If World War 3 Is Nearing. His ‘No Jokes, No Irony’ Reply