By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Ukraine’s former Commander-in-Chief, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, declared that World War III has begun, citing the involvement of Russia’s autocratic allies—North Korea and Iran—supplying weapons and drones, and China providing components for Russian arms. He stressed that Ukraine is not just fighting Russia, but a wider coalition, necessitating a global response to prevent the conflict’s escalation. While technological advancements are crucial for Ukraine’s survival, a decisive victory is not imminent, and Zaluzhnyi expressed concern over Europe’s preparedness for a prolonged war given limited air defense capabilities and potential depletion of resources. He concluded that while short-term military readiness exists, Europe’s capacity for a protracted war remains questionable.
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World War III has begun, according to a prominent figure, and the West is woefully unprepared. This assertion is based on the escalating conflict in Ukraine, which is no longer just a localized war but a proxy battle involving multiple nations and advanced weaponry. The nature of modern warfare has evolved significantly, moving far beyond traditional battlefields and encompassing cyber warfare, drone strikes, and long-range missiles. This new reality makes the very definition of “world war” debatable, shifting the focus from large-scale ground engagements to a more decentralized, global conflict.
The involvement of North Korea and Iran, supplying weapons and even troops, adds a dimension that makes the conflict far more than a regional crisis. This is not simply Russia versus Ukraine; it is a multifaceted struggle with several countries now actively, albeit indirectly, engaging in combat. The presence of Chinese components in Russian weaponry further illustrates the interconnected nature of this conflict and its global implications. The claim is that this signifies a shift that few seem to recognize: that the global community is, in fact, at war.
There are arguments that the current situation is not a world war, despite the widespread involvement. But the point being made is that the lines have become blurred, and the scale of the conflict is significantly larger than what many initially perceived. The idea that this could escalate into a broader, more direct conflict between major world powers, like the U.S. and China, is not unfounded.
Indeed, the current situation, with multiple conflicts simmering across the globe, is alarming. The involvement of countries like Cuba and Venezuela, along with brewing tensions in other regions such as South America, highlights how easily this conflict could spiral. The interconnectedness of global politics and alliances means that one conflict can quickly draw in others, creating a domino effect with devastating consequences. The fact that even the conflict in Ukraine is now a proxy war with different actors using various methods (weapons, mercenaries, and disinformation campaigns) means the actual front lines are far more expansive than those physically in Ukraine.
The assertion of global unpreparedness rests on several factors. The West, it is argued, is primarily focused on short-term military engagements, neglecting the crucial need for a strategy of prolonged attrition. This is evidenced by the potential rapid depletion of air defense systems even with the availability of advanced aircraft like F-16s. There is a lack of understanding of the scope of the war. The belief is that the technological advancements in weaponry, particularly the increasing use of drones and autonomous systems, requires a complete overhaul in thinking about military strategy and preparedness. The potential for a future war of attrition where the West isn’t prepared for long-term conflict is cited as a serious concern.
Further, the scale of the disinformation campaigns targeting the EU and NATO is a significant factor in the perceived unpreparedness. These digital attacks are designed to sow discord and undermine public trust in democratic institutions, adding another layer to this modern style of warfare. The digital battlefield is as crucial as the physical one.
In conclusion, the claim that World War III has already begun is based on the evolving and expanding nature of the conflict in Ukraine. It highlights that the world is currently facing a new kind of war that extends beyond traditional battlefields, involving various actors, weapons systems, and strategies, including large-scale disinformation campaigns. The perceived unpreparedness of the West focuses not only on military technology and capabilities but also on the long-term strategic planning needed to navigate a protracted, multi-faceted conflict. Regardless of whether it’s officially declared as a world war, the gravity of the situation should not be underestimated.