To be worried about war?

[RudolphTheReindeer]

I'm not usually concerned but we have the French and now British Chief of Defence saying we need to be prepared for war with Russia. Which is very concerning?

https://news.sky.com/story/uks-sons-and-daughters-need-to-be-ready-to-fight-amid-growing-russian-threat-says-head-of-armed-forces-13483860

It probably doesn't help I saw some stupid meme on insta last night saying there's a pattern to our years and according to that we're a due a war in 2026

I think everyone’s needs will be slightly different but imagine as from tomorrow there is no power, no shops are open & all forms of online payment have gone down. What would you wish you had done? So personally I would wish I had charged powerbanks, candles, water, food (for both us and dog), torches, very warm bedding and clothing, petrol for the car.

Ultimately if you can absorb the cost it’s better to buy these things and be thankful you didn’t need them than the alternative. The risk is still low ish but the consequences would be so extreme that a little bit of preparation isn’t unreasonable, in fact it’s very sensible.

Just do things slowly. I can’t afford to either but just starting with a couple of the solar rechargeable phone power banks would be better than nothing.

Ahh yes, because most people have a garage don’t they

Who knows? But what is the point of worrying about something outside your control? It's just a waste of energy.

It’s a very scary time. Watching the thread with interest.

Honestly, what basis do you have for saying this?

A proper ‘war’ is next to almost impossible. It just won’t happen.

What’s changed between now and since Ukraine was first invaded and was going through the worst of it all? Mumsnet users were in there drones saying it just won’t happen (WWIII)

@OverlyFragrant oh yes naked ,bare back on a horse leading the charge with a sword.

I’m scared.

I didn’t until 3 months ago, but had one of these.

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwiftIz_0MCRAxVJlFAGHTCwGhgYACICCAEQQBoCZGc&co=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn7SM_9DAkQMVSZRQBh0wsBoYEAQYASABEgJrNvD_BwE&sph=&cce=2&sig=AOD64_3DO28cxe72fZJeJVnNJcMMkW93Yg&ctype=46&q=&ved=2ahUKEwil9ob_0MCRAxVIQUEAHQanGcUQzzkoAHoECAoQDQ&adurl=

Agree, just buy 1 thing a month then within 6 months you’ll have what you need.

Yes but we didn't know how it would pan out.
It's really serious now with who's in who's camp but I cannot see America or Europe being anti uk.
I dread to think of what's going to happen. And we have the China arms trades with the middle east on the sidelines.
It's pretty hot out there globally.

…saying we need to be prepared for war with Russia

Si vis pacem, para bellum. If you want peace, prepare for war. Vegetiius.

Because it’s a little bit selfish to bury your head in the sand and expect everyone else to bail you out should the worse happen. There are a few very basic things you’ve been asked to do, just do them (well, EU citizens have been asked to do, but we would be churlish not to take the warning).

https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/26/nearly-450-000-000-people-warned-prepare-war-72-hour-survival-kits-22798562/amp/

UK and France have been saying this for a while. I'm glad that they are prepared, and are preparing their people. No one wants war, but history has shown us that it is better to be too vigilant than not vigilant enough.

Russia would get a swift kicking if they tried. They are struggling with Ukraine. Add Poland Germany Finland Sweden UK France plus a few others and it would be all over in a week. And he knows this.
The army would revolt and head back to Moscow to hang a few hundred oligarchs and Putin's entourage. He knows that too.

Scared 😟

I think a fairly high possibility, and before the next USA election. Saying that, if Trump does a Putin with the voting laws, he'll change it anyway so he can run again. I do think Putin needs America, well, if not on side, not in the way.

What’s changed between now and since Ukraine was first invaded and was going through the worst of it all?

• *Really? We have Trump and his lunatic friends in the White House getting all friendly with the Russians and throwing NATO and Ukraine under the bus. Putin has made no secret of the fact that he is after more than what he has already stolen from Ukraine. Left unchecked he may well set his sights on the rest of Europe. Cyber attacks are now a reality and have already massively affected some UK businesses. Our banking, power, transport, the NHS and more are all vulnerable to attack. We may not see boots on the ground or active fighting on the ground in the UK (god I hope not) but we are vulnerable to huge disruption, food shortages and civil unrest. Preparing is wise.

I don't think it is likely this will happen, but I do think the possibility of war is being floated as a mechanism of fear.

"I don't know how WW3 will be fought, but WW4 will be with sticks and stones"

How often have we heard this-the implication being WW3 would be catastrophic, to be avoided at all costs.

And likely to make the sacrifice of Ukrainian territory more palatable to the masses to prevent the unthinkable.

I honestly think the next 4 years will see Ukraine forced to give up territory to placate Russia.

The time to worry IMO is if China mobilise.

I worry about it a little. Personally I think we should refuse to engage with any plans for warfare. Trump started the debate this time, and our governments are talking it up.

I’ve made my DH a preppers box for Xmas. Partly as a joke as he loves zombies etc but also because you never know? Actually only cost about £50 to put together.

it has in it;
Geiger Counter
Headtorch
Flint and steel
Waterproof matches
iodine tablets
Water Purification tablets
Compass/laser/magnifier in one
Wind up Radio
Plasma lighter

Also, in the recent newspaper article about Putins Uk targets, we both work at one 🙈

I don’t think war will come to the shores of Britain and I think we should stay well out of what is happening in Ukraine. I don’t see Russia trying to take Europe or whatever people believe. I just don’t see the appetite for it. Please don’t be scared.

Flint and steel?

They’re doing their jobs. Bigging up the risk to try to boost their departmental budgets. As has happened forever.

With nuclear in the picture, WW3 is extraordinarily unlikely.

Good point.