Ukraine War, Putin Threat, and Security Guarantees Dominate BBC Interview
Kyiv, Ukraine — President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that Vladimir Putin has already “started World War 3”, warning that only intense military and economic pressure can stop Russia’s aggression in the ongoing Ukraine war.
In a wide-ranging interview, Zelensky rejected calls for territorial concessions to Moscow, insisting that surrendering land would weaken Ukraine and divide its people.
“I believe that Putin has already started it,” Zelensky said. “The question is how much territory he will be able to seize and how to stop him.”
No Land for Ceasefire
Russia currently occupies roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory, including parts of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Moscow has demanded that Ukraine formally cede more land as part of any ceasefire agreement.
Zelensky firmly rejected the idea.
“I don’t look at it simply as land,” he said. “I see it as abandonment — abandoning hundreds of thousands of our people.”
He warned that even if territorial concessions satisfied Putin temporarily, it would only give Russia time to regroup.
“He needs a pause,” Zelensky said. “But once he recovers… he would want to continue.”
‘Victory Means Independence’
Despite mounting pressure from some Western analysts who argue Ukraine cannot win outright, Zelensky insisted his country would not lose.
“Will we lose? Of course not. We are fighting for Ukraine’s independence.”
For Zelensky, victory is not only about reclaiming territory but also stopping what he calls a broader global threat.
“Stopping Putin today is a victory for the whole world,” he said, arguing that Russia would not stop at Ukraine.
While he reaffirmed Ukraine’s goal of restoring its 1991 borders, he acknowledged the heavy human cost of a rapid military push.
“What is land without people? Honestly, nothing.”
Tensions With Trump
Zelensky also addressed pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has pushed for quick ceasefire talks and signaled support for territorial concessions.
Trump has previously suggested Ukraine should “come to the table fast” and has reduced US military aid shipments, though intelligence sharing continues.
When asked about Trump’s criticism — including claims that Zelensky was a “dictator” — the Ukrainian leader laughed.
“I am not a dictator, and I didn’t start the war.”
Still, Zelensky emphasized that any long-term US security guarantees must be approved by Congress to ensure lasting support beyond any single presidency.
“Presidents change, but institutions stay,” he said.
Elections and Security First
Zelensky confirmed that elections, postponed under martial law since Russia’s full-scale invasion, could technically be held. However, he stressed that security guarantees must come first, especially with millions of Ukrainians displaced and parts of the country occupied.
“If this is a condition for ending the war, let’s do it,” he said — but insisted elections must be legitimate and recognized by Ukrainians.
Weapons and Air Defence
Another urgent priority, Zelensky said, is air defence, particularly the ability to manufacture US systems like Patriot missiles under licence.
“So far, we have not achieved success in this,” he admitted.
Without stronger defensive capabilities, Ukraine remains vulnerable to continued Russian strikes.
Preparing for a Long War?
When asked whether the world should prepare for a prolonged conflict, Zelensky offered a cautious but determined response.
“You are playing chess with many leaders,” he said. “For us, success is to stop Putin.”
While acknowledging uncertainty about how and when the war will end, Zelensky maintained his defiant tone.
“God bless. We will be successful.”