PUTIN ALREADY STARTED WORLD WAR III — Zelensky Says Ahead of Invasion Anniversary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that Russian President Vladimir Putin effectively launched World War III when he ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In an interview with the BBC published Monday, on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Zelensky said the global implications of Moscow’s actions extend far beyond Ukraine’s borders.

“I believe that Putin has already started it. The question is how much territory he will be able to seize and how to stop him,” Zelensky stated.

He argued that Russia’s ambitions are not limited to territorial expansion but are aimed at reshaping the political and social order of other nations.

According to Zelensky, Moscow seeks to impose a different way of life and undermine the democratic choices made by sovereign countries.

The Ukrainian leader also hardened his stance on territorial integrity, distancing himself from earlier suggestions that land concessions could be considered as part of peace negotiations. He firmly rejected the idea of surrendering roughly 20 percent of the Donetsk region, as well as occupied areas in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

“I don’t look at it simply as land. I see it as abandonment weakening our positions, abandoning our people,” he said, warning that any withdrawal would fracture Ukrainian society and leave hundreds of thousands of citizens under Russian control.

Although Zelensky had previously floated the possibility of allowing Ukrainians to decide on territorial concessions through a referendum, he now insists Kyiv will not cede territory, particularly as Western-backed security guarantees remain uncertain.

He expressed skepticism that concessions would lead to lasting peace, suggesting they would only give Moscow time to regroup and rebuild its military capacity. Zelensky echoed concerns raised by European leaders, including in Germany, that a strengthened Russia could pose a broader threat to the continent in the coming years.

Turning to the United States, Zelensky said long-term security guarantees should be rooted in institutions rather than individual political leaders. Referencing support from the U.S. Congress, he stressed that institutions endure even as administrations change.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has previously pledged to end the war quickly and has advocated for negotiations that could involve Ukraine relinquishing parts of the Donbas region. However, no ceasefire has been achieved despite intermittent diplomatic efforts.

On the battlefield, Zelensky struck a defiant tone, rejecting suggestions that Ukraine is nearing defeat. He insisted the country continues to fight for its independence and aims to restore its internationally recognized 1991 borders.

At the same time, he acknowledged the heavy human toll of the war and cautioned against rushed offensives.

“What is land without people? Honestly, nothing,” he said, emphasizing that any attempt to reclaim territory too quickly could result in devastating casualties.

In a separate interview with Agence France-Presse, Zelensky maintained that Ukraine is “definitely not losing” the war but admitted that ultimate victory depends heavily on sustained international military and financial support.

He reiterated that restoring Ukraine’s 1991 borders would represent not only victory, but justice.

Source:NKONKONSA.com