Did Ukraine just start WW3?

Ukraine’s drone raids on Russian long-range bombers were “unprecedented” and even compared to Pearl Harbor by some war bloggers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed significant Russian losses. Dmitry Medvedev, a key ally of Vladimir Putin, warned that “retribution is inevitable,” though Russia’s response was notably delayed, suggesting possible embarrassment or uncertainty about how to retaliate.

Could this trigger World War III?

The risk of escalation exists, but several factors make a global conflict unlikely based on this incident alone:

However, risks remain. If Russia’s promised “retribution” involves a significant escalation, such as targeting Western-supplied assets or infrastructure in NATO countries, it could draw in other powers. The election of Poland’s Karol Nawrocki, who is critical of Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, and Trump’s push for a deal that could cede Ukrainian territory to Russia add uncertainty. Any miscalculation, for example a Russian strike perceived as crossing a NATO red line, could spiral.