Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Monday that he believes Vladimir Putin has already effectively begun a new global conflict, highlighting the critical importance of international vigilance and cooperation to an audience concerned with global security.
Speaking to the BBC on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian president said Moscow’s strategy could only be halted through forceful international resolve, including increased diplomatic and military support from allies.
From Kyiv, Zelensky remained firm in rejecting any territorial concessions, warning that appeasement would only encourage further aggression. He said it was “only a matter of time” before Ukraine could reclaim all occupied territory, emphasising the need for continued support and solidarity.
Russia has demanded that Ukraine surrender large areas in the east and south, including regions it has been unable to capture after four years of fighting. Kyiv continues to argue that accepting such demands would strengthen Moscow’s position and invite future escalation.
Zelensky said, “We have different views on World War Three. I believe that Putin has already started it. The question now is how much territory he will be able to seize, and how to stop him.”
He argued that the war is not only about preventing Russian victory but also about resisting what he described as an attempt to impose a different global order. Zelensky emphasised that resisting this broader aim is crucial for maintaining the principles that protect national sovereignty, which can help the audience understand the importance of the conflict.
Therefore, I believe, and have long believed, that Putin has already begun this war, and that we are preventing it from becoming a broad, full-scale third world war,” he added.
Asked whether Ukraine is open to strategic concessions or negotiations, Zelensky warned: “It would probably satisfy him for a while… he needs a pause… but once he recovers, our European partners say it could take three to five years.
“In my opinion, he could recover in no more than a couple of years. Where would he go next? We do not know, but that he would want to continue [the war] is a fact.”
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