Ukraine’s Former Military Leader Valery Zaluzhny Claims Third World War Has Started, With North Korea, Iran, and China Actively Supporting Putin’s Forces

Ukraine’s former military chief, Valery Zaluzhny, has made a bold statement about the current state of global conflict, declaring that World War Three has already begun.

In his speech at the UP100 award ceremony in Kyiv, Zaluzhny, who now serves as Ukraine’s envoy to the United Kingdom, outlined the alarming escalation of international support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

He claimed that as of 2024, Ukraine is no longer just facing Russian forces, but a coalition of autocratic regimes including North Korea, Iran, and China, all of whom are actively aiding Moscow on the battlefield.

Allies on the Battlefield

Zaluzhny’s statement reflects growing concerns over the involvement of external powers in the conflict.

Reports have emerged of North Korean troops joining Russian forces in the Kursk region, with an estimated 10,000 soldiers sent to bolster Russia’s ranks.

This move comes as Moscow struggles to replenish its forces and reclaim territories it lost months ago.

Zaluzhny also emphasized the crucial role played by Iran, which has supplied Russia with thousands of Shahed attack drones and the technology to manufacture them.

According to reports, over 8,000 of these Iranian-made drones have been launched against Ukraine, causing significant damage to both military and civilian targets.

A Warning About Global Consequences

Zaluzhny didn’t mince words when addressing the consequences of this international involvement.

He pointed out the direct impact of Iranian drones on civilian life in Ukraine, calling out the use of these weapons in an unashamed and open manner.

Additionally, he highlighted the use of Chinese and North Korean weapons in the ongoing war.

This increasing foreign support for Russia paints a picture of a much broader geopolitical conflict, one that risks pulling more nations into the fray.

The UK’s Growing Role

As the war intensifies, there is growing debate about the involvement of other nations, particularly the United Kingdom.

Moscow’s ambassador to the UK recently accused Britain of being directly involved in the conflict, citing Ukraine’s Storm Shadow missile strikes on Russian soil.

However, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak denied that Britain is at war, maintaining that while Ukraine is indeed engaged in war, the UK’s role is primarily supportive.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, strongly criticized Russia’s actions, calling them irresponsible and emphasizing that the war could end if Putin ceased his aggression.

Military Readiness and Strategic Concerns

In the UK, military readiness continues to be a point of discussion.

Lt. Gen. Sir Rob Magowan, the deputy chief of the British defence staff, declared that the British Army would be prepared to confront Russian forces immediately if they were to invade another European nation.

However, his statement comes with some caveats, as concerns persist about the state of the UK’s military capabilities.

Earlier this year, Magowan admitted that the British Army would run out of supplies in less than two months if engaged in a full-scale conflict with Russia.

Ukraine’s Call for More Support

As Russia increasingly relies on its allies for weaponry and personnel, Ukraine continues to urge its Western partners for further military support.

The recent use of British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles in an attack on Kursk marks a new chapter in Ukraine’s use of advanced Western weaponry.

Zaluzhny has repeatedly stressed the importance of continued aid, warning that while Ukraine has the resilience to survive, its ability to win without adequate support is in doubt.

A Changing Leadership and Strategic Shifts

Zaluzhny’s warnings come in the wake of significant changes within Ukraine’s military leadership.

In February, after months of speculation, President Zelensky removed Zaluzhny from his position as Ukraine’s head of armed forces, replacing him with Oleksandr Syrsky.

While Zaluzhny was lauded for halting Russia’s initial invasion in 2022, his departure followed tensions over military strategy and personnel issues, particularly regarding the failure of Ukraine’s counteroffensive and disagreements over recruitment efforts.

Despite the leadership shift, Zaluzhny continues to emphasize the need for unity and strategic clarity in the face of mounting global threats.

The Hypersonic Threat and Escalation

The conflict’s escalation took another alarming turn when Russian forces launched a hypersonic missile strike on the city of Dnipro, marking a significant increase in the destructive power of the weapons being used.

Initially reported as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), it was later confirmed by Putin to be an “Oreshnik” missile, one of Russia’s newest advanced weapons.

Traveling at ten times the speed of sound, this missile rendered Ukrainian air defenses ineffective and added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing battle.

Looking Ahead

As the war continues, there is little clarity on how it will evolve or when it might end.

Zaluzhny’s calls for more decisive action from Ukraine’s allies reflect the growing urgency of the situation.

With Russia gaining external support from nations like Iran, North Korea, and China, and the UK providing increasing military aid, the lines between a regional conflict and a global war are becoming dangerously blurred.

The next steps will depend on the strategic decisions made by Ukraine’s allies, and whether they are willing to fully commit to ensuring Ukraine’s survival and potential victory.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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