Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has effectively begun a Third World War, emphasizing that Ukraine’s resistance is crucial in preventing this conflict from escalating into a global confrontation.
In an interview with BBC, Zelensky remarked, “I believe that Putin has already started it. The question is how much territory he can seize and how to stop him. Russia wants to impose a different way of life on the world and alter the lives that people have chosen for themselves. Therefore, I have long believed that Putin has initiated this war, and we are preventing it from becoming a full-scale Third World War.”
Zelensky also addressed the possibility of Ukraine regaining its borders as they were in 1991, calling such an outcome a victory for justice. However, he cautioned that attempting to achieve this through military means at the current time would result in the loss of millions of lives.
He pointed out that Ukraine currently lacks the necessary weaponry to pursue such military objectives, stating, “A land without people is nothing.”
Furthermore, the president dismissed suggestions to cede control of 20% of the Donetsk region to achieve a ceasefire. He described this as a weakening of Ukraine’s position and a betrayal of hundreds of thousands of people, which he believes would fracture Ukrainian society.
Regarding security guarantees from the United States, Zelensky emphasized that these should be anchored in institutions and congressional decisions, as presidential agreements may change, but commitments should endure for decades.
In a related context, Russian President Putin recently announced plans for significant military buildup and called for total militarization of society during a video address marking a Soviet holiday on February 23.
Ukrainian President Zelensky asserts that Putin has initiated a Third World War, while Ukraine's resistance is pivotal in preventing a broader conflict. He discusses military strategies and the importance of maintaining territorial integrity without sacrificing lives.
Source: BBC