Valery Zaluzhny, the former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Army, has made a startling claim, asserting that the Third World War has already begun. Speaking during an event, as reported by Politico, Zaluzhny highlighted the direct involvement of global superpowers, Russia and the United States, in the ongoing Ukraine conflict as evidence of a broader global escalation.
Escalation Beyond Borders
Zaluzhny described the conflict as having evolved beyond a regional war, citing the participation of soldiers from North Korea, the use of Iranian drones to target civilians, and the supply of weapons from countries such as North Korea and China.
“Let us be honest. In 2024, Ukraine is no longer just facing Russia. North Korean soldiers are standing on the front lines, and Iranian drones, the Shahedis, are openly killing civilians without shame,” he stated.
He further added, “This is no longer a war confined to Ukraine; it has become a global conflict. The deliberate targeting of civilians and the involvement of powerful nations indicate that the Third World War has indeed begun.”
A Call for Greater International Support
Zaluzhny, who was removed from his position in February following reported strategic disagreements with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, argued that the ongoing war could still be contained within Ukraine’s borders. However, he lamented what he saw as insufficient understanding and support from Ukraine’s allies.
“With advanced technology, Ukraine can withstand the onslaught, but victory remains uncertain without greater support from our international partners,” he remarked.
He expressed frustration with the global community, stating, “Our partners seem reluctant to recognise the urgency of the situation. Stopping the war on Ukrainian soil is the only way to prevent it from spreading further.”
Kremlin’s Missile Threats
The situation took another dire turn as Russia launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile at Ukraine on Thursday. Dubbed the “Oreshnik” (Russian for hazelnut tree), the missile was described by Russian President Vladimir Putin as travelling at ten times the speed of sound and being capable of evading U.S. air defence systems.
In a televised address, Putin warned that the missile could target any Ukrainian ally whose weaponry was used against Russia. This comes in response to Ukraine’s deployment of American and British missiles capable of striking deep into Russian territory.
Putin’s announcement has further intensified fears of an escalated conflict, with concerns growing over the potential for direct confrontations between NATO allies and Russia.
Escalation Amidst Ongoing War
Since its beginning on 24 February 2022, the Russia-Ukraine war has had devastating consequences not only for the two nations involved but also for global stability. With heavy fighting continuing in eastern and southern Ukraine, recent weeks have seen an alarming rise in the intensity and scale of the conflict.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s recent missile launch as a severe escalation in the war’s brutality. He emphasised the urgent need for more robust international intervention to prevent further destruction and loss of life.
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“This missile strike is yet another sign of the Kremlin’s unwillingness to engage in meaningful peace talks. Instead, they are escalating their tactics, which will only bring more suffering to both sides,” Zelenskyy said in a statement.
Global Ramifications
The claims of a burgeoning world war have sparked debate among geopolitical analysts. Many agree that the war in Ukraine has drawn in major global powers, with implications for international security, economic stability, and diplomatic relations.
While some experts caution against framing the conflict as a world war, they acknowledge the risks of further escalation. The involvement of nations like Iran, North Korea, and China, whether through direct military support or weapon supplies, underlines the international dimensions of the war.
No End in Sight
With no resolution on the horizon, the war continues to rage, drawing in more actors and raising fears of a broader conflict. Zaluzhny’s declaration serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved and the urgent need for international efforts to bring about peace.
As the situation evolves, the world watches anxiously, hoping to avoid the horrors of a global war while grappling with the devastating realities of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
