by Lorenzo Cremonesi
General Valeryi Zaluzhny: «It’s already World War III, but the EU is not ready». If voting were to take place today, Zaluzhny could receive over 80% of the votes, while Zelensky’s popularity rate remains below 50%, compared to over 90 in the first year of the war
FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT
KIEV – «World War III has already broken out. The fighting is taking place here, close to our European homes. And there’s more bad news: Europe is not ready to fight a sustained attack by Russiamitigated by the fact that, at least for the moment, Putin is also short of resources.”
Word of Valeryi Zaluzhnywho knows a lot about military challenges with Russia. The former head of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the general who against all odds was able to stop the Russian advance towards Kiev in February-March 2022 and in the following months even liberated large sectors of his country, after a long silence he speaks again. And he does it with full knowledge of the facts, almost like a mathematician, citing the statistics of the bullets used and analyzing the types of weapons, as is his usual practice. «Obviously we are in World War IIIit happened when Russia involved the allied dictatorships in the battleslike Iran and North Korea, and builds missiles with Chinese components, forcing Ukraine to increasingly depend on Western aid», explains Zaluzhny to the Ukrainian press.
Bad news for Volodymyr Zelensky, who had dismissed him from his military role in February to send him ambassador to London. According to common opinion in the corridors of Kiev, the president was jealous of his growing popularityin the face of its own crisis of internal consensus.
We ourselves had perceived it live the discontent of the soldiers on the front lines of Donbass: There were units that even threatened desertion in protest against the dismissal of the commander in chief. If the Londoner really had to be an exile, then the calculations turn out to be wrong. If we were to vote today, Zaluzhny could receive more than 80% of the voteswhile Zelensky’s popularity rate remains below 50%, compared to over 90 in the first year of the war.
The portal Ukrainska Pravda predicts that the former general will be the next president. «Today Zaluzhny represents the new, he has the same role that allowed Zelensky to receive 75 percent of the votes in 2019», they say at the Institute of Sociology of Kiev University. Polls show a clear drop in support for the political class and instead growing trust in the men of the armed forces. So, after eight months of silence, the former soldier turned diplomat, despite himself, decided to speak. He does it forcefully: In a few days “My War” will be released, the first volume of the three of his autobiographywhich would also like to be the mirror of the country called to arms.
The second is titled «Our war» and the third «Their war».
His analysis of Russian shortcomings, however, is confirmed by the latest news coming from Moscow and the battlefields. If it is true that the Ukrainians lack soldiers, the Russians are also short. The Financial Times reports that Putin is looking for recruits among the Yemeni Houthis, he has already hired several hundred of them. Moscow cancels up to 90,000 euros of debt from citizens who leave voluntarily. Meanwhile, the Ukrainians are making good use of American and British missiles to attack depots and bases deep inside Russian territory. From Seoul they report that the British Storm Shadows killed 500 North Korean soldiers, but the news is not confirmed.
November 24, 2024 (modified November 24, 2024 | 10:17 pm)
**How might Zaluzhny’s emphasis on the “World War III” narrative influence international support for Ukraine and impact the potential for a negotiated peace with Russia?**
## Interview Questions Inspired by the Article
This article provides a fascinating glimpse into the current situation in Ukraine and the potential political shift happening within the country. Here are some open-ended questions to delve deeper into the key topics:
**I. Zaluzhny’s Rising Popularity and Potential Presidency**
1. **How has Zaluzhny gained such immense popularity, surpassing even Zelensky’s initial surge? What qualities and actions have resonated with the Ukrainian people?**
2. **The article mentions a “crisis of internal consensus” surrounding Zelensky. What are the potential causes and consequences of this waning support for the current president?**
3. **If Zaluzhny were to become president, how might his military approach and perspective translate into political leadership? What challenges and opportunities might he face?**
4. **Does Zaluzhny’s growing popularity represent a broader shift in Ukrainian society’s priorities and values? What does this tell us about the country’s future direction?**
**II. The Military Situation and Global Implications**
1. **Zaluzhny claims “we are in World War III” due to Russia’s alliances with Iran, North Korea, and China. Do you agree with this assessment? Why or why not? How does the involvement of these nations complicate the conflict?**
2. **The article highlights Russia’s resource shortage and reliance on recruits from Yemen and potential North Korean casualties. How significant is this development, and what strategic implications does it hold for both sides?**
3. **What are the ethical considerations surrounding the increasing reliance on Western weapons and intelligence by Ukraine? Who bears responsibility for the consequences of these actions?**
4. **How has the global community responded to Zaluzhny’s declaration of “World War III”? What role should international organizations play in seeking a peaceful resolution?**
**III. “My War,” “Our War,” “Their War”: The Narrative of the Conflict**
1. **Why do you think Zaluzhny chose to structure his autobiography in this three-part format? What insights does each section offer into the different perspectives on the war?**
2. **How might Zaluzhny’s personal account of the war contribute to shaping public opinion and understanding of the conflict both within Ukraine and internationally? **
3. **What are the potential dangers of promoting a single narrative of war, even when it comes from a respected figure like Zaluzhny? How can we ensure diverse voices and experiences are heard and represented?**
4. **In the context of Zaluzhny’s autobiography, how can personal stories and individual experiences enhance our understanding of the complexities of war and its profound impact on individuals and societies?**
these detailed questions will encourage thought-provoking discussions about the complex political and military landscape in Ukraine, the potential for leadership change, and the global implications of the ongoing conflict.
