Zelensky claims there will be 'no WW3' as troops defend Ukraine against Russia

11 January 2023 , 20:48

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Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena during their New Year's address to Ukrainian people (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims there will be “no Third World War” as his troops defend the eastern front against Russia.

Speaking remotely to the Golden Globes crowd in Hollywood, Zelensky said: “War in Ukraine is not over yet – but the tide is turning and it is already clear who will win.”

To applause from the audience, the former actor was introduced by Oscar-winner Sean Penn, who has been to Kyiv.

Mr Zelensky warned: “There are still battles and tears ahead.”

And paying tribute to western help, he said: “I can tell you who was the best in the previous year – you in the free world, who united around support of free Ukrainian people.”

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Ukrainians fire a mortar near Bakhmut, Donetsk region (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Mr Zelensky said Ukraine’s struggle against Russia represents “the struggle for the right of new generations to know about the war only from movies”.

But he was keen to allay fears the war could expand into NATO countries, adding: “There will be no third World War. It is not a trilogy.” He vowed that Ukraine “will stop the Russian aggression” with the west’s help.

His troops are fighting in some of their most violent battles of the war around the strategic community of Bakhmut.

The fate of the eastern town Soledar hangs in the balance as Ukraine’s forces are holding out against a furious onslaught.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)

There have beeen well over 110,000 Russian casualties since the invasion began last February 24, Kyiv claims – over 500 troops a day. A Kremlin spokesman said its forces haved “positive dynamics in advancing” in Soledar.

Ukraine denied the claims, despite Mr Zelensky admitting “everything is completely destroyed” in the area.

Taking Bakhmut would disrupt Ukraine’s supply lines and open a route for Russian forces toward key Ukrainian strongholds in Donetsk.

The Institute for the Study of War said: “Russian forces have largely struggled to make significant tactical gains in the Soledar area”.

Chris Hughes