Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s former Commander-in-Chief and now the country’s envoy to the United Kingdom, has made a stark declaration about the ongoing conflict with Russia. In a recent speech at Ukrainska Pravda’s UP100 award ceremony, Zaluzhny argued that World War III has already begun. He cited the involvement of Russia’s autocratic allies in the war on Ukraine.
Zaluzhny emphasized that, as of 2024, Ukraine is no longer only fighting Russia. He pointed to the presence of foreign soldiers, including troops from North Korea, as evidence of the escalating conflict. “Soldiers from North Korea are standing in front of Ukraine,” Zaluzhny said. This underscores the direct involvement of these countries in the war.
The former military chief also highlighted the use of Iranian drones, which have been responsible for killing Ukrainian civilians. “The Iranian ‘Shahedis’ are killing civilians absolutely openly, without any shame,” Zaluzhny remarked. He also noted that weapons from China are being funneled into the conflict. Weapons from North Korea are also entering the conflict. This is further complicating the situation.
A STALEMATE, BUT CAN UKRAINE STAND ALONE?
Zaluzhny’s comments echo the grim view he has held for months about the war’s trajectory. In a previous essay for The Economist, he compared the conflict to a World War I-style stalemate. These words were critical of Ukraine’s handling of the war. They reportedly angered Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This contributed to the strained relationship between the two leaders.
Zaluzhny warned that while Ukraine has the technological means to survive, its ability to win the war alone remains uncertain. “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 lamented.
A TENSION-FILLED DEPARTURE
Zaluzhny’s leadership in the early stages of the war, particularly in halting Russia’s initial February 2022 invasion, was widely praised. His efforts to repel Russian forces earned him recognition both in Ukraine and abroad. However, tensions with President Zelenskyy rose as disagreements emerged over strategy, leading to Zaluzhny’s dismissal in February 2024. His growing popularity had made him a potential political threat. His removal was seen as part of a broader effort to consolidate power under Zelenskyy.
After Zaluzhny’s departure, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, considered to be closer to Zelenskyy, took over the role of military commander. Yet, the shadow of Zaluzhny’s leadership looms large as Ukraine continues its battle against Russia and its allies.