The problem with this article is that the "world war" concept is not suitable. A world war is one in which conflict occurs across a great many theaters. This is very unlikely to occur regardless of whether or not China decides to prop up Putin's ragtag regime. Given the West's total lack of understanding of the stakes, and Western politicians' continued addiction to making windy speeches but doing nothing of significance (all those promised MBTs have yet to arrive, and Germany's contribution is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2024...) and given NATO's total lack of appropriate stockpiles of munitions and equipment, there is no way the West can sustain support for Ukraine to the point where Russia is comprehensively defeated. Thus the "hedgehog" defense scenario is the most likely, and this in no way resembles anything like a world war.