Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine's new ambassador to the UK and former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, delivered a stark warning at the Royal United Services Institute, urging democratic nations to prepare for a potential Third World War. He emphasized that readiness involves not only military preparedness but also public engagement and societal sacrifices. Citing historical military theorists, Zaluzhnyi stressed the importance of transparent communication between governments and citizens to ensure national unity in times of conflict. He reflected on his own experiences and the lessons learned from Ukraine's ongoing struggle against Russian aggression, advocating for a proactive approach to ensure freedom and independence in democracies worldwide. Zaluzhnyi's remarks come as he navigates his new role after a controversial dismissal amid calls for greater military mobilization in Ukraine. He remains a popular figure in Ukraine, with polling suggesting he could win a presidential election if he decided to run.