U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning about the possibility of World War III, claiming it could happen “very easily” if peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine fail.
The 78-year-old highlighted the urgency of resolving the conflict, emphasizing that its outcome is crucial not just for America but for the entire world.
Earlier this week, Trump proposed a 30-day ceasefire between the two nations, a suggestion that Ukraine accepted. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin quickly rejected the offer. Despite this initial setback, Putin later stated that he “absolutely supports” the idea—though only under certain conditions.
Trump has been vocal about his determination to broker a peace deal, even after his heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their meeting at the Oval Office last month.
On March 14, Trump became the first U.S. president since Barack Obama to address the Justice Department. Seizing the opportunity, he reiterated his concerns about the risks of global conflict, warning that World War III would be “a war like no other.”
He expressed optimism about diplomatic efforts, stating that Russia has “respect” for the U.S. and that progress is being made toward a resolution.
“I think we’re doing well with Russia, we’re speaking with President Putin, we want to get the war over,” Trump said.
The president also noted that the U.S. has provided nearly $350 billion in military aid to European allies and claimed recent discussions with both Russia and Ukraine had been productive.
“We’ve had some very good calls today with Russia and Ukraine,” he said. “They’ve agreed to a ceasefire if we can get it with Russia. And it’s not easy. It’s a tough one.”
Trump reiterated the potential consequences of failed diplomacy, stating: “I think we have it, I think we have it, but this could very easily lead to World War III. It could be a war like no other because of nuclear weapons and other types of weapons you don’t even want to know about.”
He further insisted that the war would have never started under his leadership, saying: “There would have been no war had I been president. It just 100 percent would not have happened.”
Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has presented a ceasefire proposal to Putin during a meeting on Thursday, with a follow-up call between the two leaders expected in the coming days.
On Friday, G7 allies — including the UK — urged for a ceasefire with “no conditions” to bring the conflict to an end.
Putin responded to Trump’s proposal in a televised statement, saying:
“We are sympathetic to President Trump’s call. If they [Ukraine] lay down their arms and surrender, they will be guaranteed life and dignified treatment.”
The Russian leader, a former KGB operative, added that a ceasefire would require Ukraine’s military and political leadership to issue an official order for their troops to surrender.
In a social media post, Trump referenced Ukrainian soldiers reportedly “completely surrounded” in the Russian border region of Kursk.
“I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared,” Trump wrote. “This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II.”
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