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Has World War 3 Already Begun? Examining Zelensky’s Claim, Global Conflict Expansion and the Economic Fallout of Modern War

Has World War 3 Already Begun? Examining Zelensky’s Claim, Global Conflict Expansion and the Economic Fallout of Modern War

24 February 2026

Paul Francis

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Russia has “already started” World War 3, arguing that the conflict in Ukraine is no longer a contained regional war but part of a much wider global confrontation. The comment has triggered debate, scepticism and concern in equal measure.


Rusty, destroyed tank on a muddy street lined with bare trees. Distant construction vehicles and workers are visible under a cloudy sky.

At first glance, describing the Russia–Ukraine war as World War 3 sounds like political hyperbole. Historically, a world war involves multiple major powers formally fighting each other across multiple theatres. NATO forces are not in direct combat with Russia, and there are no formal declarations of war between global blocs. On those grounds alone, many analysts would reject the label.


However, a more serious question sits underneath the headline. Could the conflict already function globally in ways that resemble a systemic world war, even if it does not meet the classic twentieth-century definition? When you look at geopolitical involvement, proxy support and economic disruption, the picture becomes more complex.


Why Zelensky Is Framing It This Way

Zelensky’s language is not accidental. It serves both as a warning and as a strategic message to allies. He has repeatedly argued that Russia’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, and that failing to stop Moscow now risks broader instability in Europe and beyond.

From Kyiv’s perspective, two realities support that argument.


President Volodymyr Zelensky in black attire sits on blue chair holding papers, numbered "001," with a microphone nearby. Background shows blurred figures in suits.
Image by Le Commissaire

First, multiple external state actors are materially involved. Russia has received military equipment and support from Iran and North Korea. Iran has supplied drones that have been used extensively in strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. North Korea has reportedly provided artillery ammunition and other military assistance. China has not directly entered the conflict, but it has maintained significant economic ties with Russia and continues to play a major role in global trade dynamics connected to the war.


Second, the consequences of the conflict are not limited to Eastern Europe. Dozens of countries are tied into the war through military aid, sanctions, intelligence sharing, or trade realignments. When nations across continents are financing, arming or economically isolating one side or the other, the conflict begins to take on a broader character.


That does not automatically make it a world war. But it does challenge the idea that this is a purely regional dispute.


A Web of Conflicts and Proxy Involvement

Modern warfare rarely resembles the declared total wars of the past. Instead, it is often fragmented, multi-layered and interconnected.


The Russia–Ukraine war sits within a wider environment of global tension. Conflicts in the Middle East, instability in parts of Africa, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific and ongoing geopolitical rivalry between major powers create a backdrop that feels less like isolated crises and more like a shifting global fault line.


When states supply weapons, ammunition and strategic resources to opposing sides in conflicts, even indirectly, it introduces elements of proxy warfare. When sanctions regimes divide the global economy into competing blocs, economic rivalry starts to mirror political confrontation.


In that sense, Zelensky’s statement may be less about tanks crossing borders and more about the architecture of global alignment that is forming around this war.


The Global Economic Dimension

If there is one area where the argument gains measurable weight, it is economics.

The Russia–Ukraine war has had profound global economic consequences. Commodity markets were shaken early in the conflict. Energy prices surged. Agricultural exports were disrupted. Countries far from the battlefield experienced rising costs for food, fuel and raw materials.


This was not a temporary ripple. It triggered sustained inflationary pressure in many economies and forced governments and central banks to adjust policy. Energy-importing nations had to find new suppliers. Trade routes were reconfigured. Entire sectors were forced to reassess sourcing strategies.


Steel and industrial metals provide a useful example. Russia and Ukraine both play roles in global metallurgical supply chains. Disruptions to production and exports have contributed to price volatility and market uncertainty. When steel prices rise or become unstable, industries such as automotive manufacturing feel the impact. Car manufacturers depend on predictable input costs. When materials fluctuate sharply, production planning becomes more difficult, and margins are squeezed.


Molten metal is being poured into a container in a fiery, industrial setting. Bright orange and yellow sparks fill the air.
Conflicts have increased global steel prices

At the same time, defence spending has risen sharply in Europe and elsewhere. Industrial capacity is being redirected towards military production in several countries. That shift not only affects weapons manufacturers. It influences labour markets, raw material demand and public spending priorities.


Sanctions add another layer. Restrictions on Russian energy, technology and financial flows have reshaped global trade patterns. European nations have reduced reliance on Russian gas. Liquefied natural gas markets have tightened. New energy partnerships have formed. These are structural changes that may last decades.


When war reshapes global energy flows, industrial inputs, inflation rates and government budgets, its impact is not confined to the battlefield.


Is This Enough to Call It World War 3?

Under a strict historical definition, the answer is still no. Major global powers are not directly fighting one another in open warfare across multiple continents. Alliances have not formally declared war against each other.


But if the term is used to describe a systemic global confrontation that involves military, economic and geopolitical dimensions spanning continents, the argument becomes harder to dismiss outright.


The Russia–Ukraine war involves multi-national support networks, sanctions regimes that divide global markets, industrial reorientation towards defence, and economic shocks that reach households thousands of miles from the front line.


That does not make it World War 3 in the classic sense. It does suggest that modern conflict can generate world-scale consequences without traditional declarations.


Zelensky’s statement may be rhetorically charged. Yet when you examine the geopolitical alignments, proxy involvement and economic transformation underway, it becomes clear why he frames it in those terms.


Whether history will eventually classify this period as the early stage of a broader global conflict remains unknown. What is certain is that the war in Ukraine has already reshaped global politics and economics in ways that extend far beyond its borders.

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A Love Letter to Ahoy: The YouTube Channel That Captivates Through Style, Substance, and Storytelling

  • Writer: Paul Francis
    Paul Francis
  • Sep 10, 2024
  • 4 min read

As a huge fan of Ahoy, I can confidently say that there’s nothing quite like the unique art and video style that Stuart Brown presents on his channel. From the first time I watched one of his videos, I was captivated by the meticulous attention to detail, the clean and minimalist visuals, and the soothing cadence of his narration. Stuart Brown’s voice is in a league of its own—both informative and comforting, guiding viewers through complex histories and technical analyses with an ease that few can match.


Ahoy's logo by Stuart Brown

But What Is Ahoy?

Ahoy is a YouTube channel created by Stuart Brown, a master of video essays primarily focused on video games, gaming history, and the technology that powers them. The channel is renowned for its deep research, high production quality, and engaging storytelling. Each video is not just a presentation of facts but a carefully crafted narrative that ties together historical, cultural, and technical insights in a way that feels both educational and entertaining.


Stuart Brown himself is a bit of an enigma—a meticulous researcher, a talented storyteller, and a skilled visual artist. His work on Ahoy reflects his deep passion for gaming and technology, but it’s also clear that he has a broader interest in history and culture. Brown’s ability to connect these fields makes Ahoy’s content appeal not just to gamers but to anyone with an interest in media studies, history, or technology.


The target audience of Ahoy is diverse. While the core viewership undoubtedly consists of gamers and tech enthusiasts, the channel’s reach extends to historians, artists, and educators. Ahoy’s content is accessible to a wide range of viewers because it transcends the typical boundaries of gaming channels—each video is a piece of art, a historical document, and a narrative journey all rolled into one.


Unveiling the Gems: Ahoy’s Must-Watch Videos

With a catalogue of exceptional content, selecting the best Ahoy videos is a challenging task, but there are certain videos that stand out for their depth, creativity, and impact. Here are five of the most remarkable ones:


  • "The First Video Game" (2014):

    • This video dives into the origins of video games, exploring early contenders for the title of "first" video game. From "Tennis for Two" to "Spacewar!," Stuart Brown uncovers the roots of gaming with his signature blend of thorough research and engaging storytelling. It’s a fascinating exploration of how the medium began, and it raises thought-provoking questions about what truly constitutes a video game.



  • "A Brief History of Graphics" (2016):

    • A visual and historical journey, this video tracks the evolution of computer graphics from the earliest pixelated images to the stunning photorealism of today’s games. Brown’s ability to explain complex technical concepts in an accessible way makes this video a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of art and technology.




  • "The Story of Doom" (2017):

    • "Doom" is one of the most iconic first-person shooters ever made, and this video tells the story of its creation, impact, and enduring legacy. Brown delves into the cultural phenomenon that "Doom" became, offering insights into why it continues to be a touchstone in gaming history. The video is a perfect blend of technical analysis and cultural commentary.




  • "Polybius: The Game That Doesn't Exist" (2017):

    • One of Ahoy’s most popular and talked-about videos, this documentary explores the urban legend of "Polybius," a mysterious arcade game rumoured to cause psychological effects in players. Brown’s investigation into the myth is masterful, blending history, speculation, and eerie storytelling in a way that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.




Community Favorite: "Iconic Arms: The AK-47" (2015)

No discussion of Ahoy would be complete without mentioning the "Iconic Arms" series, and the video on the AK-47 is a standout. In this video, Brown explores the history of the AK-47, its cultural significance, and its representation in video games. It’s a fascinating look at how a single piece of military hardware became an icon, both in the real world and in the digital realms of gaming. The video is a community favourite for its in-depth analysis and the way it ties together historical and cultural threads.




The Four-Byte Burger: A Symbol of Digital Ingenuity

One of the more unusual but deeply fascinating topics covered by Ahoy is the "Four-Byte Burger," which Stuart Brown discusses in his video "A Brief History of Graphics." The "Four-Byte Burger" is an early piece of computer art, representing a hamburger created using only 4 bytes of data—just 32 bits.


When this artwork was created, computer memory and processing power were extremely limited. Despite these constraints, early digital artists and programmers managed to create recognizable images like the "Four-Byte Burger." This piece of art is not just a quirky footnote in the history of computer graphics but also a testament to the ingenuity of early digital pioneers. It’s a symbol of how creativity can flourish even within the strictest of limitations and a reminder of the humble beginnings from which modern digital art has evolved.




Why Ahoy Deserves Your Attention

Ahoy Logo by Stuart Brown

Ahoy is not just a YouTube channel—it’s a masterclass in how to create compelling, informative, and visually stunning content. Stuart Brown’s unique approach to video essays makes each upload a treat for anyone interested in video games, history, or technology. Whether you’re drawn in by the minimalist art style, the meticulously researched content, or Brown’s soothing narration, there’s something in Ahoy’s catalogue for everyone. For those of us who are fans, Ahoy is more than just a source of entertainment—it’s a source of inspiration, education, and a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of gaming history.


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