Striking statement from Serbian leader: 'We are living through World War III'

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic pointed out that the current global atmosphere has reached a dangerous point similar to the periods preceding the First and Second World Wars. Speaking to the German press, Vucic emphasized that the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East should no longer be viewed as independent of one another, and that the competition for resources is driving countries toward military blocs.

President Vucic evaluated the ongoing developments with the following words: “I have said it many times: We are already living through World War III, but almost no one wants to accept this reality. Perhaps it has already begun, but we are not yet officially calling it that.”

Stating that economic interests play a significant role in the rise of social and political tensions, Vucic noted that the struggle over energy and strategic minerals is following an increasingly dangerous path. He pointed out that, in addition to vital resources such as oil and natural gas, the competition has turned into a war over the distribution of critical metals for high technology.

Stating that diplomatic channels are increasingly being abandoned among major powers and that military moves are coming to the fore, the Serbian leader warned that the use of nuclear weapons could even come onto the agenda at the end of this process. Vucic said, “The loss of diplomacy's dominance and the hardening of the front lines between countries are dragging the entire world toward a dangerous point.” Describing this period, in which sides are becoming clear, as a “pre-war period,” Vucic drew attention to the fact that the nuclear risk is more visible than in the past.

Touching upon Serbia's position in the international arena, Vucic said that his country is trying to balance the tension between East and West, but that at this point, a silence before a geopolitical storm prevails. He added that Serbia's neutral stance is also being tested in this environment.

Arguing that the decrease in the importance given to diplomacy during such a critical period is creating space for military strategies, Vucic stated that a serious threat to global peace has emerged.