Valery Zaluzhny Warns of Global Conflict as Foreign Forces Join Ukraine War

Ukraine’s former military Commander-in-Chief, Valery Zaluzhny, has sparked international concern by suggesting that the world may be on the brink of a new global conflict. In a speech delivered at the Ukrainska Pravda’s UP100 award ceremony, Zaluzhny remarked, «I believe that in 2024 we can absolutely believe that the Third World War has begun.»

Zaluzhny pointed to the involvement of Russian allies in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia as evidence of escalating global tensions. «Soldiers from North Korea are standing in front of Ukraine. Let’s be honest. Already in Ukraine, the Iranian ‘Shahedis’ are killing civilians absolutely openly, without any shame,» Zaluzhny commented, also mentioning weaponry from China being used in Ukraine.

He urged Ukraine’s allies to recognize the severity of the situation. «It is still possible to stop it here, on the territory of Ukraine. But for some reason our partners do not want to understand this,» he stated. «Ukraine will survive with technology, but it is not clear whether it can win this battle alone.»

Zaluzhny’s comments reflect his previously documented concerns over the protracted nature of the conflict, which he compared to a World War I-like stalemate in The Economist last year. This outlook had reportedly caused tension with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, leading to Zaluzhny’s dismissal in February as his popularity soared.

The change in military leadership saw General Oleksandr Syrskyi take charge, who is noted for having closer ties with President Zelenskyy. Zaluzhny was initially celebrated for his role in repelling the onset of Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, though the campaign later faced difficulties, particularly with last year’s counteroffensive.

Zaluzhny’s remarks come amid heightened international rhetoric regarding the potential for wider conflict. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently accused President Joe Biden of «pushing America to the brink of World War III,» while Biden himself acknowledged efforts to avoid such a scenario.

Adding to the tension, diplomatic and military maneuvers have continued, with the Biden administration recently authorizing the use of long-range ballistic missiles — a move some fear could further entrench U.S. involvement in the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded by suggesting that aggression involving a nuclear-capable country could provoke a nuclear response from Russia.