Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Golden Globe Awards on Tuesday night and insisted that Ukraine would win the war against Russia and that the conflict would not turn into “World War III.”
Zelensky delivered a pre-recorded video address that was introduced by actor Sean Penn, who has visited Ukraine several times since Russia’s invasion. In his most recent visit, Penn loaned an Oscar award to Zelensky, who’s had a long acting career of his own.
“The First World War claimed millions of lives,” Zelensky said in his speech to the Golden Globes. “The Second World War claimed tens of millions of them. There will be no Third World War. It is not a trilogy: Ukraine will stop the Russian aggression on our land.”
Zelensky said it was “clear” that Ukraine was winning the war, although his comments came around the same time the Russian mercenary force Wagner Group said it made territorial gains in Donetsk. “It is now 2023: the war in Ukraine is not over yet, but the tide is turning, and it is already clear who will win,” he said.
“But there are still battles and tears ahead. But now I can definitely tell you who were the best in the previous year: It was you, the free people of the free world, those who united around the support of the free Ukrainian people in our common struggle for freedom and democracy,” Zelensky added.
Throughout the war, Zelensky has delivered dozens of video speeches to parliaments and media events around the world as part of his public relations efforts to secure foreign aid. Last April, the Ukrainian president addressed the Grammy Awards.
In the early days of the war, his message to the US and other Western countries was to “close the sky” over Ukraine, meaning impose a no-fly zone, which would require US and NATO to shoot down Russian planes and bomb missile systems inside Russia. Such action would almost certainly spark World War III and potentially nuclear war.
The no-fly zone received very little support in Washington, with only ultra-hawks favoring the idea, such as Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) and former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who just landed a job at CNN upon his exit from Congress.
I’m totally down with NO WORLD WAR 3.
Zelensky addresses Golden Globes. Uh-huh.
I understand that, later this year, he’ll be hosting the Virginia Dairy Princess awards ceremony.
He will host the Virginia Dairy Princess awards ceremony if it helps get him more weapons. Don’t underestimate Zelensky ability to get support from the general US population by going on shows like the Golden Globes.
You made me laugh out loud, lol.
He’s an actor, maybe he thought he won one for “little boy who saves democracy”.
Maybe we’ll send him two (2) Patriot batteries i/o just one (1) … so he can protect two buildings not just one. Or maybe another couple of Howitzers … the first few appear out of action.
They have held the line by sacrificing bodies like cordwood … how long will that continue if Russia gets serious numbers involved?
I don’t know how long they can hold out. But I do know that more support they get, the more Russia will pay to take over Ukraine. Do you know how many more Russians are going to die to take Ukraine?
How many Ukrainians are left to die to defend the Ukrainian rubble? A high price to pay for losing scorched earth, but it means nothing to Biden, other peoples’ sons are cannon fodder why should Biden care? Biden loves war, so long as it is other young men’s blood, he never wore a uniform, he claimed student exemptions, he is a desk top warrior and killer, always was.
“Do you know how many more Russians are going to die to take Ukraine?”
I don’t. As few as possible, I hope and as few Ukrainian dead as possible too, of course. That Russia WILL take the part of Ukraine they have annexed seems assured, however.
It will be fewer deaths on both sides the less ammo we send over, that I know.
“It will be fewer deaths on both sides the less ammo we send over, that I know.”
Maybe, maybe not.
Part of that depends on Russian objectives, and part of it depends on Ukrainian will to resist, ammo or not.
It could be that less ammo would encourage the Russian forces to follow through on Putin’s initially announced objective of taking all of Ukraine (“de-militarization and de-Nazification,” aka regime change), while not reducing the Ukrainian forces’ will to resist at the expense of more Ukrainian lives than if they had been well-armed.
It could also be that more ammo would encourage the Russian forces to declare “victory” if they can ever secure the Donbas, instead of continuing to try to take more, bringing an earlier end to maximum hostilities and saving lives.
The best argument for the US regime not continuing to supply the Ukrainian regime is that the conflict is not and never has been any of the US regime’s business.
I doubt that Russia ever actually intended to attack and hold the western parts of Ukraine … they’d be signing up for endless guerrilla war. The east and south with majority Russia language speakers is the limit of it. At this point, that outcome would be a big “win” for Russia.
Be that as it may, I think you are discounting the role of USUKNATO in the prolongation of war decision by Ukraine. I mean, they were ready for a truce in March before we told them not to because we’d give them the weapons needed to win. Once that weapon supply vanishes, Ukraine’s decision making will be strongly motivated to end the fighting.
I’m not sure where you see me “discounting” the US/UK/EU/NATO role in prolonging things.
Those regimes did their damnedest to provoke it and are doing their damnedest to prolong it.
Why? Because in their estimation the longer it drags out, the weaker Russia is. They initially probably thought it also made them stronger, but now the calculation seems to be “it weakens Russia faster than it weakens us” or maybe “we can stand more weakening without falling apart than Russia can.”
So far as I can tell, that calculation is likely correct. Which isn’t the same thing as saying I support the policy. I oppose it, because I’m antiwar and non-interventionist.
But you maintain an ambiguous stance on Russian objectives. I find that really funny, considering it’s Americans’ objectives that are as ambiguous as it gets, by far.
Well, it depends on
1) whether one believes Putin’s initial announcement, which claimed the objective was regime change (“de-militarization and de-nazification”), or
2) whether one believes that Putin is rational and intelligent and therefore actually had achievable objectives in mind. or
3) one believes that, regardless of whether (1) or (2) is correct, objectives can change.
There’s really nothing ambiguous about the US objective. It’s to bleed and weaken Russia.
1) The only regime Putin is interested in ending is in Washington D.C.
2) The proof of Putin’s rationality and intelligence is self evident.
3) Russia is nothing if not persistent.
Ask any German.
There’s nothing ambiguous about the US objective. It’s hair is on fire and it’s trying to put it out with a hammer.
Both the US and Russia have as ambitious goals as they can. Putin’s “demilitarization and denazification” goal is broad enough that he could simply say “look, we captured Azov in Mariupol, so we’re done”. It could also have been regime change in Kiev. Who knows? It is vague and rhetorical on purpose.
The US also, could simply be trying to “weaken russia”. Or it could be trying for regime change in russia. This latter goal is much more ambitious. And biden says we’re not. But that hasn’t stopped a bunch of brain dead hawkish senators from shouting it at the top of their lungs. If they had the chance, yes, the US government absolutely would go for russian regime change. The question is whether we have the chance and the answer is probably no.
Fair enough, Tom … I guess I read your previous comment several points re Russian calcs given different weapon supplies and no real discussion of Ukraines potential change of decision making with less weapons. I think the latter would be far more decisive. But you did say “part of that …” so you’re right.
We’ll see, but I think that on balance the war is actually strengthening Russia and sending the US a significant notch down. Russia has intelligence, unified command, massive firepower, and strategic initiative. The US has the MIC and the Golden Globes.
Thomas, surely you don’t believe that Putin desires Ukraine in its entirety. Perhaps by “de-nazification” he was indicating regime change.
Hey, if Amerikkka can call for it, why not Russia?
“Regime change” MEANS “Ukraine in its entirety.” As, for example, 20 years of Afghanistan as a US satrapy.
Well, you can read Russian objectives by consulting Russian publications, as you could have done for more than a year. Their objectives haven’t changed.
Russia isn’t interested in taking over Ukraine. You just can’t get that though your skull, can you.
Until there is nothing left, only unconditional surrender will end it and that goes on until the last man standing.
Money is his priority, weapons are less important, he knows more weapons make no difference in the outcome. But more money improves his standard of living.
What?
He’s making bank. For his retirement from politics to selling women’s cosmetics.
Well said OB1. Well as long as he’s not wearing women’s cosmetics…
Or he’ll probably be shirtless on a horse. Perhaps then you’ll give him some respect.
I think that is more your thing and not mine DJ.
Oh, I don’t underestimate it, I just find it depressing and deplorable.
Perhaps the silver lining lies in the unintended consequence arising from the stoutness of the Ukra-Nazis. NATO created this monster and now its creature is bleeding NATO white.
NATO created this monster
Makes you wonder if they ever read Mary Shelly’s Frankenstien… And if the read it to the end.
Don’t underestimate the stupidity of the American electorate.
lol
He will BE the Virginia Dairy Princess if it fattens his off shore account… Don’t underestimate how low Zelensky would go for that bottom dollar.
Next expect Vlad to make an appearance on the ‘Khardasian’s’ or perhaps, ‘Housewives of New Jersey’ that should really boost his popularity.
I’m so glad I missed it.
He’s certainly earning his money, right? Good choice, Nuland and company.
Neat … that is contrary to what Gates and Rice said yesterday when they said Russia will not lose, but what the hell do they know?
What does the little clown really know? Why can’t he use common sense and show some character and sovereignty by requesting a ceasefire and diplomacy and honest negotiations? What can he possibly win at what price? He should ask Biden what it takes to END the massacre of all the young Ukrainians and turning Ukraine into dust? It is Biden’s war he is the stumbling block in NATO, the war-hungry senile old man. He is a killer, he was on board in Iraq, in Afghanistan, wants to attack China and the neocons make use of him. A pack of war-criminals.
What is there to negotiate? Will Russia give up land that they have taken? No. Will Russia pay for the damage they caused? No. Will Russia allow what is left of Ukraine to joint NATO? No.
Why did the USA/NATO provoke that war? What is the Biden pack fighting this war for? The only winner is the MIC and the oil giants.
Could you write a rational, coherent explanation why one administration after the other kept provoking the war in Ukraine. Please start with Bush pushing for Ukrainian and Georgia NATO membership, Obama/Biden funded and organized the regime change in Kiev, USA/NATO funded armed trained and did NATO MILITARY EXCERCISE in Ukraine a non NATO member. The membership was opposed by all European NATO members. There was a civil war beginning with regime change, Minsk I&II were sound legal agreements and why where they not implemented? Why did the Biden people not respond in a proper diplomatic manner when Russia warned that they have concerns about their border security and explained why and how it could be solved?
If Biden was interested in peace he would have responded in a proper way, why did he not? What is his goal, what does he want? Do you know, you support the Biden policies using Ukrainians as proxies to do and die for what? You do know why you support this policy, why?
I like someone to provide a rational explanation why we are involved in a country on another continent, no ally of ours, why are we and NATO
involved in Ukraine since 2008, wars come with a context, what is it?
Explain in a rational manner why so many people were killed, driven from their homes, another nation and their young men destroyed, WHY???
There is plenty to negotiate still. And so much more a year ago.
Russia was committed to German-French brokered Minsk Agreement that would have left Ukraine intact. Once Germany and France abrigated it — the post-Soviet legacy was broken,
Ukraine could have negotiated from the beginning having had an ace in its hand — neutrality. As a neutral country it could trade freely, and Rusdia would have every incentive to not cause harm. Even with lising Crimea — which legally was never part of Ukraine after independence, and losing Do etsk and Lugansk, Ukraine would have been a viable state.
Having committed itself to not negotiate, and having declared a civil war in its Russian ethnucity and Otrhodox followers -the country was no longer treated as a state, but a land with civil war in which Muev supports one side and Russia another,
The outcome is — more Rusdian speakung regions seceeded. Zaporozhie and Kherson. All four are now regions of Russian Federation. This is an indication that following wrapp up of territorial boundaries of thise four — if Ukraine still does not want to negotiate — other four Rusxian majority regions may be gone as well. At thst point, Ukraine would not be a viable country,
At that point if NATO did not chose to enter the war — Russia could with ease separate West Ukraine from Kuev region right through Zhitomir-Vinitsya regions. West Ukraine could be saved by gaining indepenndence — it would not be less viable than Slivakia, Landliccked Ukraine with Kievvwould finally become neutral without much choice.
Anyone who thinks Ukraine is powerless is mistaken, Neutrality is their strong card for furure ecinomic development and freedom from military buildup.
The fact is -/ the clicque around Zelenski are convinced thst US will have to decend it lije Israel, snd continuously fund its existence. Just as Israel is the sgent of instability in the Mudfle East, Ukraine would have the same purpose in Europe.
But it heartless leadership that despises ordinary people, their traditions and sense of history, their religion, With the leadership that so much hates Orthodox Christians, it makes total sense to throw it into mest grinder. With Russia doing their dirty deed.
The myth we perpetuate that Ukrainians are eager to fight as opposed to humans without choice — we are complicit in this inhumane process.
Why would neutrality be good for Ukraine? For one, vast majority of population supports it. Zelenski l, the actor, was elected as be aline ifvall candidates advocated settlement with Rusdia, He lued, and told those 75% of population that vited for him — what they wanted to hear.
Ukrainians has many good options. But not with leadership who hates them.
As for US? Just want a little was against Rusdia. Those 75% of Ukrainians do not matter.
We are not as safe as we think. Uf Russia is attacked, there is nothing that will save us from supersonic weapons. Apsolutely nothing. Something to ponder about.
Good heavens Bianca, you’re going to give me nightmares…………!
Russia will allow a demilitarized, deNATOized, deNazified, neutralized Ukraine to rule in the portions of its current de jure territory that actually want Ukrainian (as opposed to Russian, or independent) rule. I see nothing wrong or unreasonable about that. The Ukraine could be, if it weren’t so obstinate, and so driven by ethno suprematist, racist, irredentist, neo Nazi politics, like Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland and Finland, or, perhaps Yugoslavia, were during the Cold War. Not so bad at all, really.
Frankly, at this point, I doubt if Russia would object if the remaining Ukrainian entity joined the EU, either, if it they will have it!
Western Ukraine will likely be reabsorbed into Poland – like it used to be. Then it can be NATO and the West can declare it a GREAT VICTORY that they gained territory – as well as a couple million mouths to feed.
Nonsense.
The alternative is a free fire zone for Russian artillery… Pity to waste all that good farm land.
He’s being facetious.
See the problem for Russia is that even if they take out this unfunny comedian and his backup, US/UK will find some other schmuck as the figure head. So yes, a WW3 will take place.
Schmuck is one of my favorite words!
WWIII is almost guaranteed now,
Zelenski Minister of Defense declared that Ukraine is
de-facto member of NATO. This time, NATO did not deny the statement. With “as long as it takes” approach, NATO is indeed supporting Ukraine as an NATO ally.
Russia responded. By placing Gerassimov in charge, with all brances under him, the war just became war against NATO. General Surovkin remains head of Ukraine operation. But it is clear — Ukraine is now just one theter of operations, snd a more broadly based war with NATO is taking shape.
US is sending tanks. so is Germany and France, But those are going to Baltics. Sweden just signed up bilateral defense agreement with US — bypassing Turkey’s block of their NATO membership. It is Arctic with its potential that is the target there.
Will Russia wait for an lattack in Baltics where it is vulneravle, or will an assimetrical response be more viable?
Who knows. We nust know that US is willing to risk not just Ukraine but the whole Europe to get war on Russia going.
US is not in harm’s way, Except that with European economy in tatters and US debt balooning — there is no China to save the glibal economy. With dollar in trouble, Asian economies may implide, leaving unharmed China to pick up choicest pieces.
There is too much hubris in Washingrmton for my taste. Like teenagers challenging each other to take higher risk. Cannot “back down”. As if the world is a playground and the kids are olaying marbles.
You make some interesting points Bianca, though, I would add that in a nuclear world, nuclear war seems an eventuality….
That is true. It would seem the probability being quite a bit larger than zero such an outcome is all but guaranteed over a large enough time interval. Since we have been at the brink of nuclear annihilation knowingly (and unknowingly at the time and perhaps still today) a couple of times already in quite a bit less than just a measly century for reasons no one alive today gives two shits about, that interval promises to be shorter than could be hoped for. There are probably better ways to perform live experiments to test Murphy’s Law.
Zelensky has become a joke. He wears one outfit all the time like an old GI Joe action figure. I doubt he even lives in Ukraine at this point. US media so atrocious. Who knows?
Brian, next we’ll be seeing fully-jointed Zelensky action figures 🙄
Smoking fully jointed cigarettes.
Or is it fully cigaretted joints?…
It has working nostrils too Donna!
Heck, Fisher-Price or Mattel could make a fortune selling these!
lol
And it comes with an optional piano Bear 😁
Would you like him more if he was shirtless on a horse?
yes
Noted.
Where’s Voldo?..
😂
Just….WTF.
What’s next, ZelBoy starring in an Amerikkkan sitcom?
On the other hand, if he were paid decently, perhaps he wouldn’t be such a beggar.
What an a-hole.
“Zelensky Addresses Golden Globes, Says There Will Be No ‘World War III’ The Ukrainian president gave a pre-recorded speech that was introduced by actor Sean Penn”
Zelensky’s only expertise is in acting not in governing and military matters. In the “Fog of War” actions and outcomes are not predictable. So far he has destroyed Ukraine and made mess of relations. He cannot predict that World War III will not occur.
Zelensky is a classic Galician in spirit while he is actually from Eastern Ukraine; would love to groove with Austria. He just met with presidents of Lithuania & Poland — designing a new Galicia. He thinks Russia wants to expand to include Poland and Lithuania and will amplify to WWIII for that?
I’m not certain Agnieszka but it sounds like a plot for a movie…
Also everyone knows that actors (peace be upon them) are omnipotent, omniscient and omnibenevolent beings. It seems merely appropriate that they would be omnipresent too.
lol
Disgusting Sean Penn desperately trying to keep his failed career going by attaching himself to the fascist Zelensky.
Once again proving that Hollywood has not one brain cell or any moral fiber in the motley group.
Seems a tad harsh CT but I pretty much agree.
Not in the least harsh. Did you see the made for public consumption; Sean Penn presenting his Oscar to Zelensky in Kiev?
It was quite the video media event with Sean Penn coming into Zelensky’s office in Kiev with his suitcase, opening it, and presenting his Oscar to Zelensky for safe keeping until Ukraine wins the war.
The event was all about Sean Penn.
And to think I used to LIKE Sean Penn, CT.
I even excused him for being briefly married to (ick) ) Madonna.
Everybody eventually gets the war they convince themselves will not happen – including WW III.
https://patternofhistory.wordpress.com/
Ahah…..
Zelensky deserves an Oscar for sure, maybe a dozen of them, and nothing else.
Well, now that we know there will be no World War III, we can all move on with our day……………………………………………………………
Whew. Huge relief.
😉
Just imagine if Saddam Hussein had made an appearance at the Golden Globes.
Great speech.
Because Zelensky said it, we have nothing to worry about. You hear that Vlad, no nuclear war.
Soledar just fell and Bakhmut is about to fall. Sure, Ukraine is winning the war. And the Hollywood morons are eating this up.
“It was you, the free people of the free world”
Notice how this disgusting actor always tailors his propaganda to the audience. He has no real message, just a message that changes colors. For Americans it’s “freedom!” When speaking to Germany he talks about how evil they are for Da Holocaust. When he speaks to the French it’s about the French Revolution and the Republic. In Greece he talks about Greek history and has a Greek fighter introduce him – just happens to be a Greek extreme nationalist. In Israel it’s about Da Ukrainian Holocaust must be stopped. That’s the only place where he received pushback, because the sacred H must only be used for the sake of Israel, to get money and weapons to attack the Palestinians while the world is quiet. Zelensky of course says nothing about the Palestinians.
It is amazing how Ukraine war spawned a new, most imaginative style of reporting. Two recent examples.
One is the status of town Solidar thst was recently captured by Wagner private army.
One line of reporting from Ukraine has become a standard — for as long as bad news can be delayed, Zelenski will claim victory, even thougn populace has already figured it out, But it gets very crestive from there. A whole soap opera, apparently head of Wagner and Chief of Staff Gerasimov are having a competition as to who is the fairest of them all. There is drama here for Putin to deal with -/ nothing better to do. The moment anyone from Russian officialdom makes a statement that does not 100% match another — it is all about Kremlin intrigue.
Another is the change in keadership. Again, it is all about intrigue, failure, frustration. Instead of saying it for what it is — Special Operation just became a subordinate to war. By Gerasimov taking over the command, and having overall chage over all branches. Simply put, Suroviekin’s Ukraine special military operation has just been rolled up into war with NATO.
Time to stop Ukrsinian fantasies — and tske this seriously, Something has prompted this move. We could use some real snalysts to figure out what changed.
Zelensky is a a mere puppet of the US government and vehicle for the weapons industry to keep getting richer. Russia will win this and they are winning despite all of the laughable Western information being otherwise. It is a despicable state of affairs having paper tigers like Zelensky addressing anything of relevance.