Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has warned that a third world war is inevitable, citing the rapid expansion of European countries’ military capabilities and rising defence spending.
Vučić made the remarks in an interview with Russian journalist Ksenia Sobchak, published on her YouTube channel, Ostorozhno: Sobchak.
Discussing the increase in defence spending across Europe, particularly in Scandinavian countries and Sweden, Vučić pointed to what he described as a dramatic expansion of the European arms industry. He cited German defence manufacturer Rheinmetall, claiming that its profits had increased 17-fold.
“I am neither stupid nor blind. If you do not see how Europe is arming itself, then you are pretending not to see it. And why is it arming itself? For what reason?” Vučić said.
‘The Gun Will Go Off in the Third Act’
Vučić compared Europe’s military build-up to a well-known dramatic principle associated with Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, according to which an object introduced prominently early in a story is expected to play a role later.
“It is like in Chekhov’s plays: if a gun hangs on the wall in the first act, it will go off in the third. Europe is dramatically arming itself, saying it needs to protect itself from Russia. Who cannot see that?” he asked.
When Sobchak asked whether it would be a miracle if a world war did not break out, Vučić said he hoped his prediction would prove wrong.
“I would be the happiest man if I were wrong. But I am afraid I am not,” he replied.
Comments on Nuclear Weapons and Putin
During the interview, Vučić also argued that Russia would not be the first to use nuclear weapons, suggesting that such a move could instead result from actions taken by the other side.
He also discussed Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming that during negotiations Putin begins speaking more quietly when he is dissatisfied.
Vučić has previously raised concerns about the possibility of a major war in Europe. In November last year, he warned that “war is knocking on Europe’s door” and said Serbia needed to protect itself.
His latest remarks come amid heightened security concerns across Europe and continued debate over increased defence spending and the threat posed by Russia.
