Third World War has begun, claims former Ukraine Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny

Kyiv, Ukraine - A stark warning about escalating global tensions was issued by former Ukraine Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny on Tuesday, who claimed that the conflict in Ukraine is not isolated to Russia and Ukraine alone. Zaluzhny stated confidently that "the Third World War has begun," citing direct involvement from two superpowers - Russia and the US.

Speaking at an event, according to Politico, Zaluzhny pointed to international players like North Korea, Iran, and potentially China as evidence of a broader conflict. He highlighted several indicators such as the presence of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine, the use of Iranian-made drones targeting civilians, and the influx of North Korean and Chinese weapons into the conflict.

"In 2024, Ukraine is no longer facing Russia," Zaluzhny said. "Soldiers from North Korea are standing in front of Ukraine. Let's be honest." He also drew attention to the blatant targeting of civilians by Iranian "Shahedis" in Ukraine.

This statement comes on the heels of Zaluzhny's dismissal from his military position in February following reported disagreements over war strategies with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation, warning that the US air defense systems would be unable to stop his latest missile attack on Ukraine. The Oreshnik, a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, allegedly flies at ten times the speed of sound and can target any Ukrainian ally whose missiles attack Russia.

"This is not something to be taken lightly," Putin said in a televised address. "The US air defense systems won't be effective against this attack."

As tensions continue to escalate globally, world leaders are on high alert, waiting to see how the situation unfolds.