Rising tensions have fueled fears of World War III, with warnings that a global conflict “will undoubtedly begin.” And, as uncertainty spreads, experts say now is the time to stockpile essential supplies.
According to Dmitry Medvedev, the former president of Russia, World War III “will undoubtedly begin “if [President Donald] Trump continues his insane course of criminally changing political regimes.”
“And any event could be the trigger. Any event,” warned Medvedev, who served as Russia’s president from 2008 to 2012 and prime minister from 2012 to 2020.
Speaking with Russian media on March 3, the deputy chair of the Security Council of Russia said that “Trump made a grave mistake” with his large-scale offensive against Iran, “an ancient civilization” that knows “how to wait.”
“With his decision, he put all Americans under potential threat,” he said, describing the move as “a war by the US and its allies to preserve global dominance.”
Iran will respond with ‘redoubled energy’
The comments came after the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, killing the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“Now he is also a martyr. You can imagine the rest. And now there is no doubt that Iran will pursue the creation of nuclear weapons with redoubled energy,” Medvedev said.
The strikes were carried out, Trump said, to ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.
Iran quickly responded by launching missiles and drones across the region, targeting U.S. assets and allies including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.
‘Ready for anything’
With all the political unrest, governments and emergency planners have increasingly encouraged citizens to prepare for major crises, like a global war.
Last year, the European Commission advised people across the European Union to consider stockpiling enough essential supplies to survive at least 72 hours during a major emergency.
The recommendation was part of a broader preparedness strategy designed to help citizens respond quickly to disasters, attacks, or other large-scale disruptions.
“Ready for anything – this must be our new European way of life,” said Hadja Lahbib, the European commissioner responsible for preparedness and crisis management, in a post on X.
The plan aims to help households become temporarily self-sufficient during the critical first days of a crisis – a period when emergency services may be overwhelmed.
Stockpile survival supplies
Meanwhile, the European Commission said it developed guidelines aimed at urging citizens to stockpile “essential supplies for a minimum of 72 hours.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also emphasized the importance of stronger preparedness measures.
“New realities require a new level of preparedness in Europe. Our citizens, our Member States, and our businesses need the right tools to act both to prevent crises and to react swiftly when a disaster hits,” von der Layen said in a statement.
Officials stress that the guidance was not issued in response to the current Middle East conflict. However, the advice remains relevant as global tensions rise.
Why a 72-hour survival kit matters
Emergency planners often focus on the first 72 hours following a major crisis because that period can be the most chaotic.
According to an emergency preparedness plan by the Committee on Security and Defence drafted Feb. 25, 2026, large-scale crises – including armed aggression – could lead to “shortages and supply chain disruptions.”
The document states: “The Union should be prepared for large-scale, cross-sectoral incidents and crises, including the potential for armed aggression affecting one or more Member States.”
The plan continues, “In the event of armed aggression and hybrid warfare, military forces would need civilian assistance, including to ensure the continuous functioning of the state and society.”
In other words, having basic supplies ready at home could make a significant difference if transportation, communication, or utilities are disrupted.
Items experts recommend stockpiling
In the video shared on X, Lahbib highlighted several key items people should keep on hand in case they need to survive for several days without outside help.
Emergency preparedness lists can vary slightly depending on location, but most include the same core essentials designed to provide food, water, safety, and communication.
Experts recommend stockpiling the following:
- ID in waterproof casing
- Canned food and energy bars
- Bottled water
- Matches
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Swiss army knife
- Cash
- Playing cards
- Medication
These supplies are intended to help households remain safe and self-sufficient during the early stages of a crisis.
Preparation – not panic
Although global tensions have raised concerns about the possibility of a wider conflict, experts emphasize that preparation does not mean panic.
Having basic supplies ready can provide peace of mind and ensure families are able to manage the first critical hours of an emergency.
For most people, the hope is that these supplies will never be needed.
If a global conflict were to break out, would you feel prepared? Tell us whether you think survival kits are a good idea – and share this article with friends and family.
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