Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s former Commander-in-Chief, has made a bold statement claiming that the Third World War is already underway. His remarks, made during the Ukrainska Pravda’s UP100 award ceremony, have sparked global attention.
Global Forces in Ukraine Conflict
Zaluzhny highlighted the growing international involvement in the ongoing war:
- North Korea: Soldiers reportedly fighting alongside Russia.
- Iranian Drones (Shahedis): Targeting and killing civilians openly.
- Chinese Weapons: Allegedly being used in the conflict.
A Call for Global Action
The former military chief emphasized that Ukraine’s allies have the power to stop the war:
“It is still possible to stop it here, on the territory of Ukraine. But for some reason, our partners do not want to understand this,” Zaluzhny said.
He also expressed doubts about Ukraine’s ability to win the war without substantial technological and military support from global allies.
Tensions with Zelenskyy and Leadership Changes
Zaluzhny’s comments reflect his grim outlook on the war, echoing earlier statements comparing the conflict to the stalemate of World War I. His mounting popularity led to tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who removed him as military chief in February.
- Leadership Shift: Oleksandr Syrskyi replaced Zaluzhny as Commander-in-Chief, marking a major change amid the ongoing conflict.
As the war escalates with new players and alliances, Ukraine continues to navigate a precarious path, balancing military strategies with calls for stronger international intervention.