Former Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine, Valery Zaluzhny, has issued a stark warning, claiming that the ongoing war in Ukraine has escalated into a global conflict, effectively signaling the beginning of World War III. Speaking at the UP100 award ceremony hosted by Ukrainska Pravda, Zaluzhny pointed to the presence of North Korean soldiers and the use of Iranian and Chinese weaponry on Ukrainian territory as evidence that the war now involves multiple nations beyond just Russia.
Zaluzhny, currently serving as Ukraine’s envoy to the United Kingdom, stressed that Ukraine is now facing not only Russian forces but also military involvement from other states. He emphasized the impact of Iranian ‘Shahed’ drones attacking civilians and the role of North Korean and Chinese weapons in the conflict. According to Zaluzhny, the war has expanded beyond regional borders, making it imperative for Ukraine’s allies to boost their support to prevent the conflict from spiraling further. He warned, “Ukraine will survive with technology, but it’s uncertain if we can win this alone.”
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These remarks are consistent with Zaluzhny’s previous assessments, including a controversial essay in 2023 where he compared the current conflict to a World War I-style stalemate. His candid criticism of how the war is being managed led to increasing tensions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, ultimately resulting in his dismissal from the top military post in February 2024. Zaluzhny’s successor, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, is seen as having a closer relationship with the president.
Zaluzhny’s leadership had previously been lauded for halting Russia’s early invasion in 2022, but the challenges faced by Ukraine in its 2023 counteroffensive led to a decline in his standing, contributing to the rift with Zelenskyy. Despite this, Zaluzhny continues to advocate for more advanced support from Ukraine’s Western allies, arguing that increased technology and resources are necessary to contain the conflict within Ukraine’s borders.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has gained new strike capabilities with advanced missile systems provided by the US and the UK, enabling Ukrainian forces to hit targets deep inside Russian territory. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin has escalated his rhetoric, warning of nuclear retaliation and unveiling a new intermediate-range missile, the Oreshnik, which he claims is capable of bypassing air defenses and targeting Ukraine’s allies.
Zaluzhny’s comments, along with Putin’s threats, underscore the increasing complexity of the conflict, as both sides receive foreign support. The former Ukrainian general also hinted at potential shifts in US foreign policy, noting that the possible return of Donald Trump to the White House could alter America’s stance on the war, affecting future military aid to Ukraine.
