![Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a briefing in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 15. [AP/YONHAP]](https://www.thetrentonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/441ab71b-8c76-4c1c-b9e0-230760423588-11-1068x712.jpg "441ab71b-8c76-4c1c-b9e0-230760423588 (1)(1)")
NEW YORK, USA – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia could escalate into a world war if Kyiv and its allies fail to stand firm against Russian advances.
Speaking in an interview on CBS’ 60 Minutes program, which aired on Sunday, April 13, 2025, Zelenskyy emphasized that the security of the entire world is at risk due to the ongoing war, which has now been raging for more than three years.
Zelenskyy stated, “If we do not stand firm, [Russian President] Vladimir Putin will advance further,” underscoring the global ramifications of the conflict.
He described this as “not just idle speculation,” arguing that Putin’s ultimate goal is to revive the Russian Empire and reclaim territories currently under NATO protection.
The Ukrainian president pointed out that with the United States being a NATO member, Washington would inevitably be involved in any potential escalation, making the situation even more perilous.
“And the United States being part of NATO means it will be involved in any potential conflict. Considering all of this, I believe it could escalate into a world war,” Zelenskyy said.
Addressing the topic of a ceasefire, Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine would only agree to such a halt in hostilities if it included a guarantee of Ukraine’s security.
For him, a “just peace” would be one where Ukraine maintains its sovereignty and independence.
He reiterated that Ukraine will not recognize territories under Russian control as part of Russia and will continue its efforts to reclaim those territories.
Zelenskyy also discussed his interactions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that he had warned Trump multiple times about Putin’s unreliability.
He attributed the failure of previous ceasefire attempts to Putin’s unwillingness to end the conflict, citing the Russian leader’s “desire” to continue the war.
When asked what the American people have gained from supporting Ukraine, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for U.S. assistance, but stressed that Ukrainians are bearing the brunt of the conflict.
“The people dying right now, with all due respect to the US and Europe, the ones dying right now are Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy said.
“By giving us weapons, other countries are protecting their own people.”
In response to a question about Trump’s stance on the war, Zelenskyy invited the former U.S. president to visit Ukraine, urging him to witness the situation firsthand before making any decisions.
“I would invite him with pleasure to come to Ukraine and see the reality. It will not be theater, with preparing actors in the streets. You can go exactly where you want, to any city that has been under attack,” Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing the authenticity of the war’s impact on Ukraine.
