Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “already started” the Third World War. In a recent interview with BBC in Kyiv, Zelensky emphasized that only a robust military and economic pressure can halt Putin’s ambitions.
During the interview, Zelensky discussed the implications of Putin’s nuclear threats and the stance of the United States. He remarked, “We have different views on this. I believe that Putin has already initiated it. The question is how much territory he can seize and how to stop him.”
Zelensky warned that if Ukraine withdraws its forces from the Donbas region, it would grant Russia the opportunity to regroup and potentially extend the conflict in the future. He noted that Russia aims to impose a different way of life on the world and alter the choices made by people, asserting that Ukraine’s resistance has prevented the war from escalating into a broader conflict.
He firmly rejected Russia’s demands for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from 20% of the Donetsk region, as well as parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Zelensky characterized such a retreat not as a concession of territory but as abandoning hundreds of thousands of residents to their fate. He expressed concern that this would fracture Ukrainian society.
When asked if such a withdrawal would satisfy Putin, Zelensky replied that the Russian leader only seeks a pause. He cited estimates from European partners suggesting that Russia could rebuild its military capabilities in three to five years, while he personally assessed that it could take as little as two years before Russia might seek to resume hostilities, leaving the future direction of the conflict unclear.
Zelensky articulated that Ukraine’s victory lies in preserving its independence, and the restoration of all Ukrainian territories represents a “victory of justice for the entire world.” He described the return to the borders of 1991 as a matter of time, although he acknowledged that this is currently unfeasible due to a lack of weapons and the threat of significant casualties.
“What is land without people? Honestly — nothing,” Zelensky stated.
The president also highlighted the urgent need for air defense systems, requesting licenses from partners to produce American weapons, including missiles for Patriot systems, though he has yet to achieve success in these efforts. He stressed that security guarantees must be approved by the U.S. Congress, not solely by President Donald Trump, as “presidents change, but institutions remain.”
In response to inquiries about U.S. demands for elections in Ukraine, Zelensky acknowledged that while they are technically feasible, security guarantees are a prerequisite. He also mentioned that he has not yet decided whether he will run for re-election.
Ukrainian President Zelensky claims that Putin has initiated a global conflict and insists on the need for intensified military support to counter Russian aggression. He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining Ukraine's territorial integrity and independence.