Kyiv: As the Russia-Ukraine war nears its fourth anniversary, tensions escalated dramatically with starkly contrasting messages from the two leaders. Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the development of Russia’s nuclear triad an “absolute priority” for national security, vowing to accelerate advancements in next-generation weapons to maintain strategic deterrence and global balance of power.
In a video message marking Defender of the Fatherland Day, Putin stressed the need to bolster all branches of the armed forces, drawing lessons from the ongoing conflict. He described the nuclear triad — encompassing land-based ICBMs, air-launched bombers, and submarine-launched missiles — as Russia’s key guarantee of security.
In sharp response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Putin of already igniting World War III during an interview with the BBC just days before the invasion’s anniversary. “I believe that Putin has already started it,” Zelenskyy asserted. “The question is how much territory he will be able to seize and how to stop him.” He warned that Russia seeks to impose its ideology worldwide and insisted the conflict can only end through sustained military and economic pressure on Moscow.
The exchange underscores deepening global concerns amid the prolonged war. Russia, holder of the world’s largest nuclear arsenal with thousands of warheads, has repeatedly highlighted its capabilities since the expiration of the New START treaty earlier this year. Zelenskyy’s remarks reflect Kyiv’s view that unchecked Russian aggression risks broader escalation.
Analysts note these statements come at a critical juncture, with no immediate signs of de-escalation as both sides dig in.