Zelensky tells BBC Putin has started World War Three and must be stopped
Feb 22nd 2026
In a Kyiv interview President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected territorial concessions, called for stronger military and economic pressure on Russia, and said Ukraine aims to restore its 1991 borders but needs weapons and legal security guarantees first.
- Zelensky told the BBC that he believes Vladimir Putin has already started World War Three and must be stopped with intense military and economic pressure.
- He rejects ceding occupied territory, saying withdrawals would abandon residents and weaken Ukraine politically and militarily.
- Ukraine seeks to restore its 1991 borders but says it currently lacks the manpower and weapons to do so without unacceptable casualties.
- Zelensky said long-term security guarantees must be enshrined by institutions like the US Congress before Ukraine accepts related demands such as holding elections.
- He warned a temporary ceasefire would likely allow Russia time to recover and resume aggression rather than secure lasting peace.
- Ukraine is pressing partners for the right to produce weapons under license, including Patriot systems, but has not received those approvals.
- Zelensky said holding free and recognised elections is complicated by martial law, territory under occupation, and millions of displaced voters, and he has not decided yet whether he will run again.