Zelensky: Putin has started World War Three and must be stopped
Feb 22nd 2026
In a BBC interview in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky rejects territorial concessions, calls for stronger military and economic pressure on Russia, and seeks institutional security guarantees before any election or settlement.
- Zelensky said Putin has already started World War Three and must be stopped with intense military and economic pressure.
- He rejected Russian demands to cede territory as abandoning civilians and weakening Ukraine.
- Ukraine does not yet have enough weapons and is seeking permission to produce systems and missiles under licence from partners.
- Zelensky wants long term security guarantees backed by institutions such as the US Congress before considering nationwide elections.
- He warned that territorial concessions would likely only pause Putin and risk renewed aggression within years.
- Despite a recent corruption scandal, Zelensky retains high domestic approval ratings and frames victory as restoring normal life, independence, and just borders.