Seeking Western Support, President Zelensky Warns of the Risk of the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict Turning into a World War

President Zelensky visited Ukrainian troops at the forefront of Zaporizhia. (Source: President.gov.ua)

JAKARTA - President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced the danger that the Ukrainian conflict could escalate into a Third World War, when he emphasized the importance of support from Western countries from Germany to the United States, in an interview with the German state broadcaster, ARD.

"It seems to me that the Chancellor (Olaf Scholz) is aware of this risk," said President Zelensky, adding that if Russia attacked a NATO country, it would be "the beginning of the Third World War," as reported by Reuters, January 29.

When asked if he was disappointed that Germany did not plan to supply Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, President Zelensky said he was only disappointed that Germany did not play "the role it should have played in the first occupation of Ukraine".

That referred to the West's weak response to Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2014, a precursor to Moscow's invasion in February 2022, although he said it was not just about Germany's response.

"It's not just about Olaf Scholz," he said.

"This concerns the leaders of Europe and the US," he stressed.

In the United States, President Zelensky said Ukraine had support from various political quarters.

"There are some Republicans who don't support Ukraine, but most Democrats and Republicans support Ukraine," he said.

Regarding whether Donald Trump's second term in the White House will affect support for his country, he said Uncle Sam's policies do not depend on one person.