The Third World War has already begun in Ukraine, and the West is unprepared for a full-scale confrontation with the so-called "axis of evil." – TSN.ua highlighted several significant statements and interviews from last week that every Ukrainian should be aware of. This was reported by Kontrakty.UA.
In 2024, the Third World War began in Ukraine – Zaluzhny's statement
The Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK and former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Valerii Zaluzhny, stated during his speech at the "UP-100" awards ceremony that in 2024, following the direct involvement of autocratic countries in Russia's war against Ukraine, it can be considered that the Third World War has begun.
"I believe that in 2024 we can absolutely consider that the Third World War has begun. Because in 2024, Ukraine is facing not just Russia," – said the former Commander-in-Chief.
Zaluzhny identified several factors that indicate this:
- Soldiers from North Korea are openly fighting against Ukraine.
- Iranian "Shaheds" are openly killing civilians in Ukraine.
- Missiles of North Korean origin are flying into Ukraine.
- Chinese shells are being detonated in Ukraine, and Chinese parts are used in Russian missiles.
"Forgive me, but I think most military personnel would agree with me. I 'congratulate' you – what we have long awaited has already begun," – Zaluzhny believes.
In his opinion, God is currently giving Ukraine and the whole world a chance to make the right conclusions.
What people in Ukraine think about this statement
Former Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, commenting for LIGA.net on Zaluzhny's statement, expressed the view that the Third World War has already started.
"It (the Third World War – Ed.) did not start today or yesterday. It began when Russia started rewriting basic world rules. The entire global international system is currently in disarray. There is no trust, nor a desire to understand that rules exist and work. This is not a question of terminology – Third, Fourth World. The issue is that the system built after the Second World War has not been functioning since 2014. We can cling to it, but it has 'lived its time'," – said the diplomat.
Klimkin noted that the First World War was a turning point for the European continent. The same applies to the Second World War.
"Therefore, it is 100% possible to talk about a great Third European war. This is not a question of terms. It is a question of understanding that the world will no longer be the same as it was 10 years ago. And if we understood this, the world – no," – believes the former Foreign Minister.
Historian and MP Volodymyr Vyatrovych believes that the problem of the Third World War is not when it will start, but that for Russia and its allies, it is already ongoing.
"An additional problem for us is that (the global – Ed.) war is again, like the first two, on our land. But despite this, the third one can be not only a challenge but also an opportunity for us. This time, Ukraine is not just a territory, but a subject; we have a state and an army. And also allies. When they finally realize that the war has begun, it will not be only the Ukrainian soldiers fighting against a clearly defined axis of evil," – Vyatrovych believes.
Meanwhile, economic and political expert Serhiy Fursa disagreed with Zaluzhny's statement about the Third World War.
"If you truly believe that a world war has started in Ukraine, at least do not call it the Third. Because then it would be some kind of tenth world war," – the expert said.
He reminded that after the end of the Second World War, there were many conflicts where one of the major nuclear powers was involved, while the other side was supported by other major nuclear powers. This includes the Korean War, wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan, the Arab-Israeli wars, and conflicts in Africa.
"There has always been direct or indirect involvement of key states. Some are fighting, some are supplying weapons to the enemy, some are sending money and mercenaries, and some provide cover in the UN Security Council. Usually, this was far from Ukraine. And now they have attacked us. But that has happened already.
And indeed, psychologically, we wish this was not just our problem. We want it to be important for the whole world as it is for us. This is natural. But this does not change the essence. There is no direct confrontation, army against army, of nuclear powers. And they are very eager for that not to happen.
In his view, Zaluzhny spoke of the Third World War because he is working to support Ukraine and is trying to draw the world's attention, particularly that of Britain.
"And we need attention. We need the British to see this war as their risk too. But we must not become victims of our own propaganda. Because it creates expectations. And unjustified expectations lead to significant disappointments," – Fursa reflects.
What the world says about the Third World War
Commenting on Zaluzhny's statement, retired US General Jack Keane, former Vice Chief of Staff of the US Army, agrees that the presence of North Korean soldiers on the front is a "very significant escalation." However, he disagrees with the notion of a Third World War, as reported by "Radio Liberty."
"He [Zaluzhny] looks at the Middle East and sees there an ally of Russia that has started a war, namely Iran. Iran is also a supplier of substantial assistance [to Russia]. So, from his perspective, this may indeed be the case for Ukraine. From our perspective – it is not," – says Jack Keane.
The British publication The Independent is also concerned that the war in Ukraine is globalizing.
"Putin's use of North Korean munitions and soldiers is a symptom that the war in Ukraine is acquiring a global character. Perhaps this is not yet the Third World War, but let’s call it 'World War Z'," – the article states.
The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, called "abnormal" those who consider Putin's nuclear threats a bluff. He believes the world is heading towards disaster.
One of the world's most popular podcasters, Joe Rogan, criticized Presidents Biden and Zelensky for trying to "unleash" a Third World War.
"Zelensky says that Putin is scared. Screw you, man. Screw you, people. You are about to start a Third World War. Maybe that would be a good thing we would want to avoid from a dying former president," – said Rogan, referring to 82-year-old Biden.
He expressed fear that Russia has launched an intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time in history. This is unprecedented. "Such missiles can carry nuclear warheads. This one did not carry one, but if it did, everything would change in an instant," – Rogan anxiously remarked.
Is the West ready to fight for real?
European countries are likely not ready for a war of attrition with Russia, believes former Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhny.
In his opinion, currently, there is no adversary with enough resources to conduct large-scale military operations over an extended period. Zaluzhny even doubts that China is ready for large-scale actions at this time.
As for the Europeans, the former Commander-in-Chief believes that Europe is in a comfortable environment and does not wish to leave it right now.
"Therefore, in my personal opinion, if they (the Europeans – Ed.) are ready for such a war under conditions of 'attrition', it is probably with very significant limitations," – he said.
On his part, former Foreign Minister Klimkin rightly noted that it is essential to clearly define what we mean by the term "the West."
"Part of our partners is currently cornered and watching what is happening in Washington