Putin’s recent pronouncements that the Ukraine war is becoming global are, frankly, a bit rich. He claims the conflict, which he initiated, has been pushed into a global scenario by the West. This, of course, ignores the reality of his actions. He’s actively brought mercenaries from across the globe—Africa, the Middle East, India, Cuba—to fight on his behalf, essentially turning the war into an international affair through his own recruitment efforts. It’s a blatant disregard for the truth, a convenient narrative to deflect blame for his own aggressive actions.

The fact that he’s also enlisted North Korea in this conflict speaks volumes. His inability to win on his own terms, using only his own forces, has forced him to rely on external support, dramatically expanding the conflict’s reach. This desperation is palpable in his increasingly frantic threats and rhetoric. It’s hard not to see this as a sign of weakness, not strength. The effectiveness of western weaponry, proving far superior to what Russia can deploy, only highlights this failing.

The claim that this escalation is somehow the West’s fault rings hollow when considering the sheer scale of Russia’s actions. Their aggression isn’t limited to Ukraine; we’ve witnessed cyberattacks on the US, sabotage efforts in Germany, and even the use of chemical weapons in the UK. These actions demonstrate a pattern of global aggression far exceeding a simple regional conflict. It points to a calculated strategy of destabilizing various nations for strategic gain. This isn’t a sudden shift; it’s a culmination of a decade-long campaign of destabilization and aggression, starting with the 2014 invasion of Ukraine.

Putin’s current pleas for negotiation ring especially false when you consider his own actions. The use of Iranian drones and the involvement of North Korean troops demonstrate his active engagement in turning this into a broader, more dangerous conflict. The irony of him complaining about Western arms support for Ukraine, while simultaneously sourcing weapons and manpower from multiple countries, is lost on no one. This hypocrisy underlines the incoherence of his claims. His desperation is plain to see.

The narrative that Ukraine is somehow the aggressor is completely divorced from reality. Russia initiated the conflict, and continues to fuel it. Every outside power aiding Russia should be subject to sanctions; it’s crucial to hold those enabling this aggression accountable. Their continued support is essentially prolonging a war that could have ended months ago.

The gravity of the situation cannot be understated. The involvement of Iran and North Korea adds a dangerous dimension, increasing the potential for wider conflict, possibly even nuclear escalation. Iran’s plans for further attacks on Israel, facilitated by Russia’s actions, raise the specter of a larger Middle Eastern conflict that could swiftly drag in other global powers. China’s quiet support, providing essential technology to Russia, only adds to this increasingly precarious global landscape. The presence of Russian and Ukrainian mercenaries fighting proxy wars in Africa further demonstrates the global reach of this conflict.

Ultimately, Putin’s declaration that the Ukraine war is going global is a self-fulfilling prophecy. His own actions, his own desperation, are the primary drivers of this expansion. His attempts to portray himself as a victim are simply not credible. He started this war, and he holds the power to end it. The global community should not be fooled by his rhetoric. The only way to prevent further escalation is to hold Russia, and all its collaborators, accountable for their actions. Until then, the danger of wider conflict remains very real.