‘World War III not far away’: Trump declares adding that his leadership will prevent it

Trump also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s role in hosting recent negotiations between the U.S. and Russia

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday cautioned that the world is edging closer to “World War III,” citing ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative Institute Priority Summit in Miami, Trump claimed that his leadership would prevent global war and restore 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,” Trump said. He pointed to the mounting casualties in Ukraine and the Middle East, asserting, “You’re not so far away from [World War III], I’ll tell you right now… 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.”

Trump also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s role in hosting recent negotiations between the U.S. and Russia, calling it “a big step.” However, he took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, referring to him as “a modestly successful comedian” and “a dictator without elections,” echoing Russian narratives.

Earlier in the day, Trump and Zelensky clashed on social media, with Zelensky accusing Trump of spreading disinformation and aiding Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I love Ukraine, but Zelensky has done a terrible job—his country is shattered, and millions of people have unnecessarily died,” Trump said, defending the decision to exclude Ukraine from the Saudi-hosted negotiations. He reiterated his desire for a ceasefire, stating, “You can’t bring a war to an end if you don’t talk to both sides… We hope to see stability restored in Europe and the Middle East soon.”