As tensions ramp up between the West and its antagonists in Russia and China, fears are growing that proxy wars could develop into wider armed conflict.
Amid threats of the Russian invasion, netizens took to Twitter to share their fears that the Russia-Ukraine crisis might trigger a World War 3 like situation.

Russia’s declaration of war on Ukraine has prompted outrage from across the world with nations and people alike condemning President Vladimir Putin’s act.

While he has claimed that it’s a military action in Ukraine, explosions could be heard soon after in the capital Kyiv and other parts of the country. Putin also called on Ukrainian service members to “lay down their arms and go home”, adding that the special military action was meant for “demilitarisation and denazification” of Ukraine.

Russia declared war on Ukraine on Thursday, February 24 with Russian President Vladimir Putin calling it a military operation.

Putin has also warned other nations not to interfere with the Russian action as it would result in “consequences they have never seen”. Soon after his announcement, big explosions were witnessed in Ukraine’s Kyiv, Kharkiv and other regions.

Later, air sirens also went off in Kyiv, indicating that the capital is under attack. Meanwhile, Ukraine has closed its air space for civilian flights due to a “high risk” to safety amid Russia’s declaration of war on the country. Besides, The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting at the request of Ukraine on Wednesday night.

On February 21, Russia recognised the independence of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin signed decrees to recognise Ukraine’s regions of “Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics” as “independent”.

The move escalated tensions in the region, heightening fears of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Putin also ordered Russian soldiers into eastern Ukraine in what the Kremlin termed a “peacekeeping” mission in the Moscow-backed regions.

Here are some of the reactions on Twitter.

When you see wake up to see World War III, USSR , North Korea, Moscow, Russia, Nuclear, NATO, Soviet Union, Ukraine, Taiwan, China and United States trending.. pic.twitter.com/zOz2gAQsCy

— ℭ𝔬𝔬𝔠𝔥𝔦𝔢 ℌ𝔞𝔰𝔥𝔦𝔯𝔞✨🔮 (@OniichanXXXX) February 24, 2022

We skipped the Roaring 20s and went straight to World War III wtf man pic.twitter.com/iGyJIBEmrt

— Kynady (@kayv_will) February 24, 2022

Covid19 about to World War III
be Over. Started

#WWIII pic.twitter.com/FOzpfHMQjf

— Ronald ® (@SanjelRoshan0) February 24, 2022

Kim waiting for Putin call… World War III pic.twitter.com/oyztedqSj2

— Samlexh_Somtochukwu (@SamlexhSomtoch1) February 24, 2022

Waking up to see Putin, Ukrain, North Korea, World war III and Nuclear Trending. Y'all should calm down please. pic.twitter.com/NPzOqn85KZ

— Holyganie♟️ (@abdoolganie) February 24, 2022

Inside this Ukraine, Putin, NATO, World War III and this is what you are thinking of 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/TmaTcAB01C

— JayNaija Blogger (@JaynaijaBlog) February 24, 2022

What if this Russia and Ukraine matter escalates and world war III actually happens and the first male child of every family is called to defend their country? pic.twitter.com/dVpwyDA3P4

— Uncle Bayotics 💊 (@unclebayotics) February 24, 2022