Feb 23 • 04:49 UTC 🇳🇴 Norway Aftenposten

Zelensky to BBC: Putin has started the third world war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserts that Putin's actions have initiated a third world war, emphasizing the global implications of the conflict.

On the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to BBC, claiming that the ongoing conflict is not merely a dispute between two nations, but rather the onset of a third world war initiated by Vladimir Putin. Zelensky's remarks highlight his belief that the ramifications of the war extend beyond Ukraine, necessitating the world's support for Ukraine’s victory to prevent further aggression from Russia. He argues that Putin has intentions of expanding beyond Ukraine, posing a larger threat to global stability.

Diplomatic efforts from the United States have been focused on brokering a ceasefire and finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict. However, President Donald Trump has complicated the situation by insisting that Ukraine must hold presidential elections before the summer. While Zelensky expresses his readiness to conduct elections, he emphasizes that such a move would only be feasible if proper security guarantees are provided to Ukraine, highlighting his cautious approach amidst the war's turbulence.

Moreover, Zelensky categorically rejects Russian demands for Ukraine to cede control of approximately 20 percent of the Donetsk region, which remains under Ukrainian jurisdiction. This refusal indicates Ukraine's strong stance on territorial integrity, further complicating potential negotiations while underlining the deep territorial disputes at the heart of the conflict. The situation continues to evolve with international implications, underscoring the importance of global involvement in seeking a resolution to the ongoing crisis.

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