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Zelenskyy: Putin "Has Already Started" World War III from Ukraine Front

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin has already initiated World War III through the invasion of Ukraine, positioning his country as the frontline preventing a global escalation. He marked the near fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion by highlighting the critical need for enhanced air defence capabilities. Zelenskyy expressed frustration that international partners have not granted licenses allowing Ukraine to produce advanced systems like the Patriot domestically. He argued that securing Ukraine's sky is essential to protect civilians, sustain the economy, and ultimately strengthen the military effort.

Key Points: Zelenskyy Says Putin Started WWIII, Urges Air Defence Support

  • Zelenskyy declares WWIII has begun
  • Ukraine acts as global conflict outpost
  • Urges licenses for air defence production
  • Patriot system manufacturing key need
  • Civilian protection vital for economy
3 min read

Zelenskyy believes Putin "has already started" WWIII after Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy states Putin has begun World War III, calls for urgent licenses to produce air defence systems like Patriots.

"I believe Putin has already started it. - Volodymyr Zelenskyy"

Kyiv, February 23

With nearly four years passed since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday stated that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin "has already started" World War III following Moscow's invasion, stressing that Kyiv is acting as a frontline to prevent the conflict from escalating globally.

In a series of posts on X summarising his recent interview with the BBC, Zelenskyy said that there are differing opinions on whether the war in Ukraine amounts to a third world war but stressed that, in his view, the process has already begun.

"There are different views on World War III. I believe Putin has already started it. The question is: how much territory can he seize, and how to stop him? Not to prevent Russia from winning, but because Russia wants to impose its own world and change people's lives, which they like and choose for themselves. That is why I believe, and have long believed, that Putin has already started this war. And we are preventing him from turning this into a broader, full-scale World War III. Today, we are the outpost stopping Putin," the Ukrainian President wrote in his post.

His remarks come a day ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022.

Zelenskyy emphasised that strengthening Ukraine's air defence capabilities remains one of the most pressing challenges and expressed disappointment that international partners have not yet granted licences that would allow Ukraine to produce advanced air defence systems domestically.

"Air defence is the most challenging issue today. Unfortunately, partners have not yet granted licenses that would allow us to produce, for example, Patriot systems ourselves, or at least manufacture missiles for the systems we already have. So far, we have not achieved success in this," he stated, referring to the US-made MIM-104 Patriot system.

Calling for greater support, Zelenskyy underscored the importance of securing Ukraine's airspace to protect civilians and ensure economic stability amid the ongoing conflict.

"How can we make Ukraine stronger in this war? It's obvious: close the sky. If civilians are protected, our rear is secured, people are working, children are in school, the economy is functioning, there is money, there are taxes that go to the front. In this way, we strengthen the army. Unfortunately, this is not yet the case. We need licenses at least for the missiles," his post read.

Zelenskyy's remarks underscore Ukraine's ongoing challenges in bolstering its defences against Russian attacks.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's heartbreaking to see the suffering in Ukraine. While we have our own challenges with China, we understand what it means to defend sovereignty. The world needs to find a diplomatic solution before this truly spirals. Innocent lives are at stake everywhere.
R
Rohit P
Calling it WWIII feels like an exaggeration to get more weapons. Many conflicts are happening globally. That said, India's position of buying Russian oil was pragmatic for our economy, even if the West didn't like it. We have to put our citizens first.
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Sarah B
With respect to President Zelenskyy, I think the term "World War" should be reserved for a conflict involving all major powers directly fighting. This is a devastating regional war with global effects, yes, but not yet a world war. The licensing issue for air defence is critical though.
V
Vikram M
The parallel for us is clear. A powerful neighbour using force to change borders. We stand for territorial integrity. Hope the international community shows the same resolve for all nations under threat, not just in Europe. Jai Hind.
K
Kavya N
Four years... such a long time for war. The economic ripple effects have hit our kitchens with inflation. While we sympathize, our government's balanced approach is correct. We cannot afford to pick sides in a distant conflict when our own development is priority.

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