Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of initiating World War III, emphasizing that only increased military and economic pressure can force Moscow to withdraw its forces.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Zelenskyy made these remarks during an interview with BBC News. The President stressed that Ukraine will not comply with Putin's demands, particularly regarding the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from strategic territories. He noted that stopping Putin today and preventing the full occupation of Ukraine would constitute a victory for the entire world, adding that the restoration of Azerbaijan-style territorial integrity for Ukraine remains a matter of time.
Zelenskyy further explained that attempting a full-scale territorial recovery immediately could result in the loss of millions of lives due to the enemy's numerical superiority and Ukraine's current lack of sufficient weaponry. He highlighted that the resolution of this conflict depends not only on Ukraine but also on the continued support of international partners. Regarding domestic politics, the President stated he has not yet decided whether he will run for re-election.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has significantly shifted the geopolitical landscape of Eurasia, prompting many nations to reassess their security frameworks. Azerbaijan, maintaining its principled stance on international law and territorial integrity, continues to monitor the situation closely while providing humanitarian aid to the affected regions. The international community, including major powers and the administration of US President Donald Trump, remains focused on finding a diplomatic and strategic balance to prevent further escalation of the global security crisis.