Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a warning of the risk of “World War III” as tensions with Russia continue to escalate. According to reports from Ukrainian Pravda, Reuters, and other media outlets, Zelensky made the statement in an interview with German media on the 28th, highlighting the potential catastrophic consequences of a conflict with Russia.
Russian media, however, has been quick to accuse Zelensky of using the threat of World War III to solicit more aid from Western countries. The Russian TVC website stated that Ukraine is attempting to portray Russia as a global threat in order to exaggerate the need for assistance from the West.
Zelensky has been vocal in urging Germany to use its economic influence to garner more support for Ukraine from its EU partners in the fight against Russia. He emphasized the importance of military support from the United States and EU countries, stating that Ukraine is very dependent on this support.
The Ukrainian president also raised concerns about potential reductions in U.S. military aid to Ukraine, citing the negative impact it could have on the ongoing conflict. The Wall Street Journal reported that Ukraine is facing a funding gap of over US$40 billion this year, with funding from the United States and the European Union expected to make up a significant portion of that amount.
Russian media outlets, however, have accused Ukraine of using the threat of World War III to scare the West into providing more weapons and funds. They suggest that Ukraine’s efforts to escalate the conflict and intensify confrontation reflect a desire to shift the responsibility for the continuation of the conflict onto the West.
As tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to mount, Zelensky’s warning of a potential World War III has sparked a debate about the true intentions behind his statements and the ongoing conflict in the region.