Donald Trump warns ‘World War III is looming,’ vows to end ‘stupid, never-ending wars’

Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Priority Summit in Miami, US President Donald Trump warned that "World War III is not so far away" but asserted that his leadership would prevent such a catastrophe. Highlighting the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, Trump emphasised his commitment to ending wars and restoring peace. "Around the world, I'm moving quickly to end wars, settle conflicts, and restore the planet to peace—I want peace, and I don't want to see ... everybody being killed," he stated, according to CNN.

Biden Administration Blamed for Rising Global Tensions

Trump took a direct jab at his predecessor, President Joe Biden, blaming his administration for escalating tensions worldwide. "If we would have had [President Joe Biden's] administration for another year, you would have been in World War III, and now it's not going to happen," he said.

The former president maintained that his approach was to prevent unnecessary US involvement in foreign conflicts while ensuring the country remained powerful. "We’re going to stop people from these stupid, never-ending wars. We’re not going to partake in them ourselves, but we’ll be stronger and more powerful than anybody by far," he asserted.

Saudi Arabia's Role in Ukraine Talks

Trump acknowledged Saudi Arabia for hosting US-Russia negotiations on the Ukraine conflict, calling it a "big step" toward a resolution. Notably, Ukraine was not invited to these discussions.

Defending this decision, Trump criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, blaming him for the devastation in Ukraine. "I love Ukraine, but Zelensky has done a terrible job—his country is shattered, and millions and millions of people have unnecessarily died—and you can't bring a war to an end if you don't talk to both sides," he remarked.

Harsh Words for Zelensky

Trump did not hold back in his criticism of Zelensky, referring to him as "a modestly successful comedian" and "a dictator without elections." This marks a notable shift in the US stance towards Ukraine, with Trump hinting at a more Moscow-friendly approach. Zelensky, in response, accused Trump of spreading disinformation and "helping Putin out of his isolation."

Financial Burden of Ukraine War on the US

The former president also expressed frustration over US financial support to Ukraine, arguing that Europe had contributed far less while America bore the brunt of the costs. "Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelensky, talked the United States of America into spending $350 billion dollars, to go into a war that couldn’t be won, that never had to start, but a war that he, without the US and ‘TRUMP,’ will never be able to settle," he posted on Truth Social.

Elon Musk, in support of Trump’s stance, was quoted as saying, "The President's instincts on Ukraine are absolutely right. It is really sad that so many parents have lost their sons, and so many sons their fathers in this pointless war."

Amidst the strong rhetoric, Trump expressed hope for a resolution. "So, we hope to see a ceasefire soon and to reestablish stability in Europe and the Middle East," he concluded.

Trump’s statements signal a potential shift in US foreign policy, particularly concerning Ukraine, should he return to office. His comments have further deepened the divide between himself and Zelensky, while also raising concerns about America's future role in global conflicts.