Zelenskyy on possibility of world war amid Russia's aggression: 'The threat is real'
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that due to Russian aggression and plans for further expansion, the security of the entire world is at stake, according to his statement in an interview with CBS News.
The President expressed concerns that Russia's war against Ukraine could escalate if Ukraine, with the support of its allies, does not firmly resist further military advances from Russians.
In an interview with an American broadcaster, Zelenskyy stated that, at this moment in Russia's war against Ukraine, the security of the entire world is at stake.
"If we do not stand firm, he [Russian President Vladimir Putin] will advance further," Zelenskyy said.
At the same time, Zelenskyy emphasized that this is "not just idle speculation; the threat is real."
"Putin's ultimate goal is to revive the Russian empire and reclaim territories currently under NATO protection. Considering all of this, I believe it could escalate into a world war," stated the head of state.
Zelenskyy also added that, in such a case, "there won't be a safe place, there won't be a safe place for (anyone)."
Putin's preparations for war with NATO
Intelligence agencies from different countries have previously warned about Putin's plans to expand military aggression in Europe.
For example, according to German intelligence, the Russian authorities are most likely preparing for a large-scale war against NATO. The report stated that Putin views relations with the West as a systemic conflict and is ready to use force to achieve his goals.
The German intelligence service pointed out that, by the end of the decade, Russia could be fully prepared for a "large-scale conventional war."
At the same time, according to Lithuania's special service VSD, the Kremlin currently cannot attack the entire Alliance. However, the Russians may "test NATO" with a small military operation against one or several countries in the bloc. This would allow them to gauge how seriously the alliance takes its commitments.
Furthermore, earlier, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda stated that Russia could launch a new attack in just a few years. In his opinion, Lithuania has four to five years to prepare.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys previously mentioned that the intelligence community of NATO countries has concluded that Russia is a long-term military threat to the Alliance and, therefore, to the entire North Atlantic security, including the US.
