Zelensky Cautions That Putin Has Initiated World War Three and Must Be Halted

Ukrainian leader calls for international pressure on Russia, firmly dismisses any territorial concessions, and asserts that Ukraine will ultimately triumph.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russian leader Vladimir Putin has effectively “started World War Three” and must be compelled to retreat through ongoing military and economic pressure.

Speaking within the heavily secured government headquarters in Kyiv, Zelensky adopted a resolute tone, asserting that Ukraine will not tolerate what he characterized as the abandonment of its people in return for a temporary ceasefire.

“I am convinced that Putin has already initiated it,” he states. “The inquiry revolves around the extent of territory he can capture and the methods to prevent him.”

Russia presently holds approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, encompassing significant portions of the eastern Donetsk region as well as areas in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia to the south. Moscow is insisting on additional territorial concessions in its ceasefire proposals, a demand that Zelensky categorically rejects.

“I don’t view it merely as land,” he states. “I perceive it as a form of abandonment that undermines our positions, leaving hundreds of thousands of our people who reside there without support.”

Zelensky contended that any cessation of hostilities would merely provide Moscow the opportunity to reorganize. “It might provide him with some temporary satisfaction; he requires a break,” he remarks, cautioning that Russia could restore its military capabilities in a few years and continue its progression.

In the face of increasing pressure from certain Western sources, including comments from US President Donald Trump encouraging Ukraine to “come to the table fast,” Zelensky asserted that Ukraine will not accept defeat.

When asked if critics are justified in claiming that Ukraine cannot achieve victory without making concessions, he replies: “Will we lose?” Certainly not, as we are striving for Ukraine’s independence.

For Zelensky, achieving victory encompasses not just the reclamation of territory, but also the safeguarding of sovereignty and the avoidance of broader global instability. “Halting Putin today and stopping him from taking over Ukraine is a triumph for the entire world,” he states. “Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine.”

He emphasized Ukraine’s enduring objective of reclaiming its 1991 borders, established in the wake of the Soviet Union’s dissolution, while recognizing that the immediate recapture of occupied land would entail a significant human toll. “What is land devoid of its inhabitants?” Truly, there is nothing.

Zelensky also spoke about the strained relations with Washington after a tense meeting at the White House last year. He emphasizes that, despite the changing nature of political leadership, long-term US security guarantees should be firmly rooted in Congress rather than reliant on any individual president.

“This discussion extends beyond President Trump; it encompasses America as a whole,” he states. “While presidents may come and go, the institutions remain constant.”

Zelensky stated that he has not yet made a decision regarding his potential candidacy, amidst discussions about Ukraine holding elections while under martial law. The elections set for 2024 have been delayed due to Russia’s comprehensive invasion. He emphasized that credible security guarantees should be prioritized above all else.

The Ukrainian leader acknowledged that air defence is his country’s top priority, especially systems like the US-made Patriot missile batteries, and voiced his frustration over the lack of licenses from partners for Ukraine to produce them locally.

As the interview concluded, Zelensky momentarily switched to English and contemplated the uncertainty that lay ahead. When asked if the war might extend for years, he characterized diplomacy and battlefield efforts as “parallel tracks,” asserting that one of them will eventually lead to success.

“For us, achieving success means putting an end to Putin,” he states.