Putin Has Already Triggered World War III, Zelensky Says

 Putin Has Already Triggered World War III, Zelensky Says

February 23, 2026

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin has effectively begun what could become World War III, describing the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war as a conflict with global consequences rather than a regional crisis.

Zelensky made the remarks on Monday via a post on X (formerly Twitter) amid rising international concern over Russia’s continued military offensive against Ukraine.

According to the Ukrainian leader, opinions may differ on when a third world war begins, but he believes the threshold has already been crossed.

“There are different views on World War III. I believe Putin has already started it,” Zelensky said.

He stressed that the war is not only about territory or military victory but about Russia’s broader ambition to reshape global order and impose its ideology on other nations.

Zelensky posed what he described as a critical question for the international community: how far Russia is allowed to advance and what steps can be taken to stop further aggression.

“Not simply to prevent Russia from winning,” he said, “but because Russia wants to impose its own world and change how people live and choose for themselves.”

Reaffirming his long-held position, the Ukrainian president said Ukraine is currently standing as a defensive barrier against a wider global conflict.

“We are preventing him from turning this into a full-scale World War III. Today, Ukraine is the outpost stopping Putin,” he stated.

Zelensky’s comments come as fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces continues, with mounting casualties and widespread destruction. Despite several diplomatic engagements and peace talks, the conflict remains unresolved.

Global powers continue to monitor developments closely amid fears that further escalation could draw more countries into the war.