Brooke Davies and
Sara Odeen-Isbister
Published December 3, 2025 1:32pm
Updated December 3, 2025 1:32pm
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These countries offer some of the best chances of survival
After Vladimir Putin declared Russia was ‘ready right now’ to fight Europe, fears have grown over World War 3 breaking out amidst concern about conflict in Venezuela, Iran, Israel and Gaza.
Britain has so far dismissed Russia’s threat for a war on Europe, with Wes Streeting calling it the ‘same old sabre-rattling’ from Putin.
But on preparation for a potential Russian attack, the health secretary admitted that the warning is taken ‘seriously’.
Growing worries around conflict in Europe come after talks between Putin and US representatives, including special envoy Steve Witkoff, took place on Tuesday to little avail, it seems.
The Russian president has previously claimed he had ‘no plans to attack Europe’ on the same day France announced conscription efforts to prepare for potential danger.
Witkoff, alongside Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, did not reach a breakthrough in the talks, but the Kremlin maintains that ‘it wouldn’t be correct’ to say Putin rejected US proposals for peace.
Russia has rejected Europe’s 28-point peace proposal as it hit Ukraine with an aerial strike killing four people last week.
President Vladimir has said Russia is ‘ready right now’ to fight Europe (Picture: AP)
Europe is not the only continent in fear of conflict – concern is also growing that President Trump is planning to invade Venezuela.
This comes as Operation Southern Spear, headed up by General Dan Caine, is attempting to stop the flow of drugs into America with warships and coast guard vessels in the area since August.
Trump’s attacks on alleged ‘narco’ boats have involved multiple fatal strikes by US forces targeting boats in Venezuelan waters.
Tension comes from the US government not viewing Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro as a legitimate leader and designating the country’s cartels as ‘responsible for terrorist violence’ in the Western Hemisphere.
With Trump announcing that Venezuela’s air space is closed and Maduro accusing the US of ‘fabricating a new eternal war’, rumblings of war between the states continues.
Earlier in the year, talk of conflict raged around US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as Israeli jets targeted the country’s military infrastructure.
The Iran-Israel ceasefire on June 24 after a 12-day war appeared to quell some concerns, but the truce depends on what happens in the broader region and whether Iran abides by nuclear rules.
In Gaza, the ceasefire agreed between Israel and Hamas, which came into effect on October 9, also appears particularly fragile.
While the Middle East appears as a distant threat for Brits, Putin has previously lowered the bar for a potential nuclear strike so they could be used in response to conventional strikes.
Analysts said the move was an open threat to the US and UK, who allowed Ukraine to fire longer-range Western-supplied missiles into Russia.
If ‘World War III’ did break out, however, some parts of the world are likely to avoid the brunt. Here we take a closer look at where might be a sensible place to hide out.
Which countries are the safest?
Antarctica
There is plenty of room for people to take refuge on this continent (Picture: Getty Images)
The continent sits at the most southerly point of the planet making it one of the safest places to survive a nuclear war.
There is an enormous geographic distance between Antarctica and countries with nuclear warheads.
With more than 14 million square kilometres, there is plenty of room for people to take refuge.
But some may find the icy and freezing climate unforgiving.
Iceland
Iceland is one of the most peaceful countries in the world (Picture: Getty Images)
Iceland has earned a reputation as one of the most peaceful countries in the world.
The country has consistently topped the Global Peace Index, having never taken part in a full-scale war or invasion.
Iceland’s government has signed bilateral agreements with Ukraine, although its support is limited to financing and a small amount of transportation.
A relatively remote island geographically, it would avoid the effects of conventional war in Europe – although the fallout of widespread nuclear strikes on the mainland would likely reach its shores in small amounts.
New Zealand
The country’s mountainous terrain makes it easier for citizens to be protected (Picture: Getty Images)
New Zealand ranks second in the Global Peace Index and has taken a neutral stance on most conflicts.
The country also has a mountainous terrain making it easier for citizens to be protected.
The Kiwi government has provided financial support to Ukraine’s military and assisted in action against Russia in the International Court of Justice.
However it is extremely unlikely to face any attacks in the event of a Western conflict with Russia.
Switzerland
Switzerland is well protected by its terrain (Picture: Getty Images)
This country is the most readily associated with political neutrality, even during World War Two.
It is well protected by its terrain, landlocked geography and various nuclear shelters.
Switzerland is one of the few European countries not to have provided assistance to Ukraine, and has even been accused of favouring Russia through its neutrality – so Putin is unlikely to see it as an enemy.
The Swiss government has blocked the delivery of Swiss-made weapons and ammo bought from other European countries who blocked them.
Greenland
Greenland is geographically and politically neutral (Picture: Getty Images)
Greenland is the world’s largest island and it belongs to Denmark.
It is geographically remote, and politically neutral.
The island’s current population of 56,000 people means it is unlikely to be targeted by any superpower.
Indonesia
Indonesia acts independently within international affairs (Picture: Getty Images)
Indonesia has often taken a neutral stance on political issues, with the country’s first president, Achmed Sukarno, describing their foreign policy as ‘free and active’.
They act independently within international affairs, and say they are most concerned with world peace.
Tuvalu
The island is located halfway between Hawaii and Australia (Picture: Getty Images)
Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean, halfway between Hawaii and Australia.
Only 11,000 people live on the island and it has weak infrastructure.
It also has a limited number of natural resources, meaning it would make an undesirable target to any aggressors.
Argentina
The country is one of the most likely places to survive famine (Picture: Getty Images)
Although Argentina has engaged in conflict, most notably during the Falklands War in 1982, the country is one of the most likely places to survive famine.
The country has an abundance of crop, including wheat, which means if nuclear dust were to block the sun, Argentinians will already have crops in supply.
Bhutan
Bhutan is landlocked and surrounded by mountainous regions (Picture: Getty Images)
In 1971 Bhutan declared itself neutral in regards to any conflict after joining the United Nations.
It is also landlocked and surrounded by mountainous regions, making it easier to defend the country.
Chile
Chile’s infrastructure and development is considered the most advanced in South America (Picture: Getty Images)
The country’s 4,000 mile long coastline spans the distance between Moscow and Madrid.
Chile is also home to a variety of different crops and natural resources, making survival easier.
Its infrastructure and development is also considered the most advanced in South America.
Fiji
Much of the island is also made up of dense forests, minerals and fishing spots (Picture: Getty Images)
The island nation is 2,700 miles away from its closest country Australia.
Along with a lack of clear military strategy and an army consisting of just 6,000 soldiers, Fiji ranks highly on the Global Peace Index.
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Much of the island is also made up of dense forests, minerals and fishing spots.
South Africa
The country’s modern infrastructure could also increase chances of survival (Picture: Getty Images)
South Africa is home to multiple sources of food, fertile land and fresh water, making survival easy.
The country’s modern infrastructure could also increase chances of survival as these resources are managed.
This is an updated version of a previous article published November 22, 2024.
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