Third World War Begins: Former Ukraine Commander-in-Chief Warns of Global Involvement

In a shocking and alarming statement, Valery Zaluzhny, the former Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine, has claimed that the Third World War has begun, citing direct involvement from two superpowers - Russia and the US - in the ongoing conflict.

According to Politico, Zaluzhny made this assertion during an event earlier this year, highlighting that tensions have escalated beyond borders involving major global players such as North Korea, Iran, and potentially China. He pointed to several indicators of the war's broader international scope, including the presence of North Korean soldiers on the front lines, the use of Iranian drones targeting civilians, and the flow of North Korean and Chinese arms into Ukraine.

"Tensions are escalating," Zaluzhny said. "In 2024, we can definitely say that the Third World War has begun. Soldiers from North Korea stand in front of Ukraine - let's be honest." He also referred to Iranian 'Shahedis' killing civilians openly on Ukraine soil.

Zaluzhny's claims come as some background on his dismissal from military position earlier this year following disagreements over war strategies with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. "The Russia-Ukraine war can be stopped on the territory of Ukraine," he stated prior to his removal. However, Western allies seemed hesitant to accept his solution.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed in a televised address that Moscow has been attacking Ukraine with new missiles - including an intermediate-range ballistic missile known as Oreshnik (Russian for hazelnut tree) capable of reaching speeds ten times faster than sound. According to Putin, the U.S. could not stop this missile due to its advanced technology.

"We will be able to retaliate against any Ukrainian ally who targets Russia," he said.

The development marked a significant escalation in tensions between Moscow and Kiev, prompting urgent calls for international involvement from the US and other nations.