Petro Poroshenko Warns: World War III is Already Happening in Ukraine

Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko stated that the fear of the war escalating into a Third World War is misplaced. He believes the war is already underway. In an interview with The Times of Malta, he highlighted the involvement of North Korean soldiers and Iranian drones in Ukraine. He noted that North Korean missiles target energy facilities in Kyiv, and munitions from North Korea and Iran are vital to Russia.

Poroshenko warned that North Korean soldiers in Ukraine are gaining combat experience to influence events in Southeast Asia. He emphasized that these nations supply more artillery shells, missiles, and drones to Russia than all NATO countries combined, calling this a major threat to Ukraine. He urged for effective sanctions to stop these weapon supplies, which would strengthen Ukraine and weaken Russia.

He described Russia’s medium-range ballistic missile launch, “Oreshnik,” as a message to the West. Poroshenko asserted that Ukraine is not afraid of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who aims to intimidate Western partners. He believes that Ukraine’s lack of fear empowers it to fight back. Poroshenko added that Putin views Ukraine as just one part of a wider conflict involving Poland, the Baltic states, and Germany.

While victory for Ukraine does not mean killing Putin or hoisting the Ukrainian flag over the Kremlin, Poroshenko stated that the goal is to prevent Russia from continuing the war. He noted that Putin’s use of a ballistic missile indicates his distress, particularly following Ukraine’s successful strike on Russian missile depots.

Poroshenko outlined five conditions for peace, emphasizing unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. He stated that Ukraine will never accept occupation and seeks membership in the EU and NATO. Addressing concerns over potential changes in U.S. military support with Donald Trump’s return, he recalled that Ukraine received aid during Trump’s previous presidency.

He suggested that the war could end swiftly if Ukraine were invited to NATO, arguing that without this move, the conflict could last for decades. Poroshenko cited lessons from the Cold War, recalling how West Germany joined NATO despite Soviet occupation in the East. He urged Western leaders to take similar steps to stop Putin’s intimidation and protect democracies.