Is This the End of Global Stability? Zelensky Warns of WWIII as Putin Doubles Down on Nuclear Threats

The world stands at a terrifying crossroads. As we approach the four-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the rhetoric coming out of both Moscow and Kyiv has reached a fever pitch, signaling that the “Great War” of our generation may already be here.
On the eve of this grim milestone, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky have traded statements that paint a picture of a world on the brink. With 2 million casualties already estimated across both sides, the question is no longer when the war will end, but how far it will spread.
 
Putin’s “Chilling” Nuclear Pivot
In a televised address marking Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day, Vladimir Putin sent a clear, uncompromising message to the West: Russia is not backing down. The Russian leader pledged to accelerate the modernization of his country’s nuclear triad—the land, sea, and air-based missiles that form the backbone of strategic deterrence.
 
  • The Goal: Total victory.
  • The Tone: Aggressive and defiant.
  • The Warning: Putin signaled that his military forces would be bolstered to handle “the most complex conditions,” leaving zero room for peace negotiations or territorial compromise.
Zelensky’s Warning: “World War III Has Already Begun”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded with an equally startling perspective. In a series of high-profile interviews, Zelensky argued that the global conflict the world fears isn’t a future threat—it’s the current reality.
“I believe that Putin has already started it,” Zelensky stated, referring to World War III. He emphasized that the only way to prevent a total global collapse is through “robust military and economic pressure” that makes it impossible for Russia to continue.
Zelensky’s plea comes at a critical time as Western support faces domestic hurdles and the front lines remain locked in a brutal war of attrition.
 
Chaos in Moscow: Airports Grounded
While Putin speaks of “total victory,” the war is increasingly hitting home for the Russian elite. Just this week, all four of Moscow’s international airports—Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky, and Sheremetyevo—were forced to shut down.
A massive wave of Ukrainian drone strikes targeted the capital, disrupting civilian aviation and striking critical energy infrastructure deep within Russian territory. These strikes prove that despite Russia’s massive military machine, the “rear” is no longer safe, and the economic and psychological cost of the war is rising for ordinary Russians.
 
The Human Toll: A Grim Anniversary
As February 24th marks four years since the initial invasion, the statistics are staggering:
 
  • Casualties: Estimated combined military losses are approaching 2 million (killed, wounded, or missing).
  • Displacement: Millions of Ukrainians remain displaced, with infrastructure across the country shattered by constant missile and drone barrages.
  • The Impasse: With Putin demanding total surrender and Zelensky demanding a return to 1991 borders, the path to peace has never looked narrower.
What Happens Next?
The “nuclear triad” talk isn’t just posturing; it’s a signal that the 2026 security landscape is more volatile than at any point since the Cold War. As both sides dig in for what could be several more years of conflict, the international community must decide how to respond to a reality where “Total Victory” is the only goal on the table.
 
The “Total Victory” Reality: Are You Ready for a Grid-Down World?
The headlines are no longer just warnings—they are a roadmap to a global shift. With Vladimir Putin pledging a nuclear buildup and the war in Ukraine entering its fourth, most volatile year, the stability of our modern infrastructure has never been more fragile.
If World War III has effectively begun, as President Zelensky suggests, the battlefield isn’t just “over there.” In a world of hybrid warfare, the first thing to go won’t be a border—it will be the power grid.
 
Why the “Normal” World is Vaporizing
We live in an age of “just-in-time” delivery and total digital dependence. But as we’ve seen with the recent drone strikes on Moscow’s airports and energy hubs, critical infrastructure is the primary target of 2026. Whether it’s through cyber-attacks, physical sabotage, or the escalating “Third Nuclear Era,” the question isn’t if the lights go out, but when and for how long.
When the grocery stores empty in 72 hours and the taps run dry because the pumps have no power, theory won’t save you. Skills will.
 
Don’t Just Watch the News. Build a Shield.
At Survival School Michigan (Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute), we don’t teach “hobby” bushcraft. We teach no-nonsense emergency readiness for when the systems we rely on fail completely.
Located in the rugged forests of West Michigan, our training is designed for the world we are entering—one where self-reliance is the only true insurance policy.
 
Courses Designed for the 2026 Reality:
  • Grid-Down Training: Learn to operate, eat, and stay secure without power, communication, or supply chains.
  • Survival 101 & 201: Go from “dependent” to “capable” with intensive hands-on training in fire-craft (without matches), water purification, and emergency shelter, and so much more.
  • Edible & Medicinal Plants: When pharmacies close, the forest is your medicine cabinet. Learn to identify and use nature’s primary resources.
  • Navigation & Security: Learn to move and survive without GPS—mastering the art of staying “lost-proof” and maintaining situational awareness in urban or wilderness chaos.
Your Call to Action: Prepare Before the Panic
The window for “casual” preparation is closing. History shows that those who wait for the crisis to act are the ones who suffer most. Joining the APSI community isn’t just about taking a class; it’s about joining a network of principled, prepared individuals who refuse to be victims of a changing world.
 
Stop being a spectator to the headlines.
Visit SurvivalSchoolMichigan.com today to book your spot. Whether you’re a first responder, a parent, or a concerned citizen, the skills you learn during a weekend could be the ones that save your family tomorrow.
Published: 2/23/26
Location: Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute

Unprecedented U.S. Military Surge Near Iran—What’s Coming?

U.S.–Iran Tensions Are Reaching a Critical Point

Iranian officials are warning that any strike targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would mean all‑out war. This comes as new estimates suggest more than 16,500 protesters have been killed by regime forces during the nationwide uprising.

At the same time, a U.S. strike carrier group is set to arrive in the region this week, dramatically raising the stakes.

Executions at the Center of the Crisis

The Iranian regime has hinted that executions will continue, despite international pressure. Protesters are being charged with “war against God,” a charge that carries a mandatory death sentence. In practice, it signals two things:

  • The regime intends to continue executions

  • The crackdown is far from over

President Trump announced he was postponing a strike, claiming Iran had canceled 800 planned executions. But an Iranian prosecutor quickly denied that any cancellations had occurred. The delay appears to give the U.S. military time to position its forces—and gives Israel time to prepare for whatever comes next.

A Region on the Edge

A U.S. or Israeli strike on Iran would unleash consequences far beyond the Middle East:

  • Global oil price shock

  • Disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz

  • A major regional conflict involving multiple states

  • Potential escalation into a global confrontation

Some analysts argue this may not just trigger a wider war—it may be a symptom of a global conflict already underway, an early phase of what many describe as World War Three.

A Shift in Global Power

The crisis is also exposing the limits of Russian and Chinese influence. Both nations have signaled support for Iran, but neither appears capable of preventing escalation or stabilizing the situation. Their inability to shape events raises questions about the future balance of power.

The Bottom Line

The world is watching a rapidly tightening chain of events: mass protests, mass executions, military buildup, and threats of total war. Any miscalculation could ignite a conflict with global consequences.

 

Taiwan’s Perfect Storm: Is the World on the Brink of a China-Taiwan War?

Introduction: A Flashpoint That Could Change the World
 
As 2025 draws to a close, the Taiwan Strait has become the most dangerous geopolitical hotspot on the planet. China’s largest-ever military drills around Taiwan—dubbed Justice Mission 2025—have sparked fears that an invasion may be imminent. Analysts warn that this crisis could escalate into a global conflict, potentially triggering World War III. But why is Taiwan so critical, and what would a war mean for the world? Let’s break it down.
 
China’s Military Posturing: A Warning or a Prelude to War?
In late December, Beijing launched its most extensive war games in years, simulating a blockade of Taiwan’s key ports and encircling the island with warships, fighter jets, and missile units. The drills involved live-fire exercises and simulated strikes on land and sea targets, signaling China’s growing capability to rapidly deploy forces and cut off external military support.
Experts say these exercises are not just saber-rattling—they are rehearsals for a real invasion. According to a U.S. Department of War assessment, China has adapted lessons from Russia’s war in Ukraine, shifting from expectations of a quick strike to preparing for a prolonged, high-intensity campaign involving cyberattacks, missile strikes, amphibious assaults, and urban warfare.
 
Why Taiwan Matters: The Silicon Shield
Taiwan is not just a political prize—it’s the beating heart of the global tech industry. The island produces over 60% of the world’s semiconductors and nearly 90% of the most advanced chips, primarily through Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). These chips power everything from smartphones and AI servers to fighter jets and medical devices.
A war that disrupts Taiwan’s chip production could unleash a $23 trillion economic shock, crippling industries worldwide and triggering inflation, supply chain chaos, and a collapse in global productivity. This is why Taiwan’s semiconductor dominance is often called its “silicon shield”—a deterrent against Chinese aggression. But as tensions rise, even this shield may not hold.
 
The Scenarios: How Could War Start?
Analysts outline three main scenarios for conflict:
War of Choice: China decides to invade after calculating that the risks are manageable.
War of Necessity: Triggered by Taiwan making a bold political move, such as declaring independence.
War of Chance: A miscalculation or accident spirals into full-scale conflict—perhaps the most likely scenario given the proximity of forces and rising tensions.
Global Implications: From Asia to Wall Street
 
A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would not remain a regional issue. It would:
Draw in the U.S. and its allies, risking a direct clash between nuclear powers.
Collapse global trade routes, especially in the Western Pacific.
Trigger sanctions and counter-sanctions, disrupting markets and energy flows.
Cripple tech industries, halting production of smartphones, cars, and AI systems.
In short, the ripple effects would be catastrophic for the global economy and security order.
 
Is War Inevitable?
Despite the aggressive drills, some experts believe China is still prioritizing intimidation over invasion—at least for now. Intelligence assessments suggest Beijing may continue coercive tactics for the next 6–12 months rather than launch a full-scale attack, though the risk of escalation remains high.
Public opinion in China also shows a subtle shift away from outright military solutions, with growing awareness of the economic and human costs of war10. But Xi Jinping’s rhetoric and PLA modernization indicate that Beijing is determined to keep the pressure on.
 
Conclusion: A Perfect Storm Brewing
Taiwan sits at the intersection of geopolitics, technology, and global security. As China flexes its military muscle and the U.S. doubles down on arms sales to Taipei, the world faces a dangerous question: Will diplomacy prevail, or is the stage set for the most consequential war of the 21st century?
 
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Putin Deploys Nuclear Missile Capable of Striking the UK in Minutes

Russia has escalated global tensions by placing its nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system on combat duty.
 
Military analysts warn that this advanced weapon could reach the United Kingdom in as little as 11 minutes from its newly established positions in Belarus.
 
The timing of this deployment is particularly alarming. Peace negotiations surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine are hanging by a thread, and NATO forces are closely monitoring every move. Experts suggest that this development signals a significant shift in Russia’s strategic posture, raising fears of a broader confrontation.
 
The Oreshnik system is designed for rapid deployment and high-speed strikes, making it one of the most formidable weapons in Russia’s arsenal. Its positioning in Belarus shortens the distance to key European targets, amplifying concerns among Western defense officials.
 
Implications for Global Security
The deployment of the Oreshnik missile system has far-reaching consequences for international stability:
Heightened Risk of Miscalculation
With such short flight times to major European cities, the margin for error in detecting and responding to a launch is dangerously slim. This increases the likelihood of accidental escalation during a crisis.
Pressure on NATO Defense Strategies
NATO will likely need to reassess its missile defense posture and readiness levels. The alliance may consider deploying additional anti-missile systems or increasing its nuclear deterrence capabilities, which could trigger an arms race.
Strain on Diplomatic Channels
Ongoing peace talks related to Ukraine are already fragile. This move by Russia could derail negotiations entirely, pushing both sides toward more aggressive stances and reducing the chances of a peaceful resolution.
Global Economic and Political Fallout
Markets often react sharply to geopolitical instability. A perceived threat of nuclear escalation could lead to volatility in energy prices, trade disruptions, and increased defense spending worldwide.
Erosion of International Arms Control Agreements
Deployments like this undermine existing treaties and norms designed to limit the spread and use of nuclear weapons. If unchecked, this could encourage other nations to pursue similar capabilities.
 
As the world watches these developments unfold, one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher. Whether diplomacy can prevail over brinkmanship will determine the trajectory of global security in the coming years.
 
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