The stark declaration from Ukraine's former military chief has resonated globally.
Valerii Zaluzhnyi, previously Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief and now serving as its ambassador to Britain, has announced the commencement of what he believes is World War III, emphasizing the extensive foreign involvement in the Ukraine conflict, Breitbart reported.
Zaluzhnyi highlighted the use of international weaponry in the conflict, including Russian drones from Iran, missiles from North Korea, and artillery from China, expanding the war's scope.
At the Ukrainska Pravda’s UP100 award ceremony, the former commander emphasized the scale of military operations in Ukraine and the vital role of foreign technology in its defense.
President Biden's recent approval for Ukraine to use ATACMS long-range missiles against Russian targets marked a significant shift in U.S. policy.
Following the U.S. decision, the UK also proceeded to approve Storm Shadow long-range missile usage by Ukraine, aimed at targets within the Russian region of Kursk last Wednesday. This decision was another step further in the conflict's escalation.
This act provoked a stern reaction from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who adjusted Russia’s nuclear posture. The updated doctrine now threatens nuclear retaliation if any third-party nuclear power attacks Russian soil.
Moreover, the Russian ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, argued that these missile strikes signify direct British involvement in the hostilities.
In response to increasing speculations, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer clarified that although the UK is not at war with Russia, it remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, which has persisted for over 1,000 days.
The ambassador further stressed the urgency and severity of the situation with a poignant assertion about the war's reach and the slim window for preventing its escalation beyond Ukrainian borders.
Valerii Zaluzhnyi conveyed his concerns with a reflective comment:
I believe that in 2024 we can absolutely believe that World War III has begun. What we have been waiting for so long has already begun. But I want to say that God himself gives a chance, not only to Ukraine but also all over the world, to have time to make the right conclusions now.
Zaluzhnyi added another layer of urgency by stating that the conflict’s scope had widened considerably, with Ukraine at the heart of a possible global cataclysm.
“There are already too many enemies in Ukraine. Ukraine will survive through technology, but it is unknown whether it will be able to win this battle on its own. So I think the World War, welcome, it has begun,” said Zaluzhnyi, emphasizing the heavy burden and existential threat facing his nation.
The U.S. and UK’s military policy updates, along with Russia’s adjusted nuclear stance, highlight rising tensions and complex international relations amid potential escalations.
Zaluzhnyi's claims of global war signal the critical phase of the Ukraine conflict, where international and local strategies intertwine.
These developments underscore the growing international involvement and the severe implications of further conflict escalation, with global leaders closely monitoring the situation.
