Klitschko Slams Rogan Over ‘World War III’ Comments

Ukrainian boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko recently posted a video taking aim at popular podcast host Joe Rogan, who had claimed that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine could lead to World War III. In a Sunday video, Klitschko disputed Rogan’s interpretation of the war as a “proxy” conflict, arguing that President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles against Russian targets inside Russia was not an attempt to escalate the conflict but a legitimate defense measure for Ukraine. Klitschko, who has become a vocal advocate for his country’s defense against Russia, accused Rogan of parroting Russian propaganda in his remarks.

The video, which was posted on X (formerly Twitter), has quickly gone viral, amassing over 9 million views. In it, Klitschko refuted Rogan’s assertion that Biden’s actions, including authorizing Ukraine’s use of U.S. missiles, were dangerously pushing the world toward World War III. Klitschko, 48, pointed out that such rhetoric aligns with narratives promoted by Russia that downplay Ukraine’s sovereignty and the legitimacy of its fight against Russia’s invasion, which began in 2022. The boxer also challenged Rogan, inviting him to appear on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast to engage in a discussion about their differences, framing the debate as one between two “free men.”

Klitschko, a retired heavyweight champion who held the world title for several years, has long been an influential figure in both boxing and political circles. His brother, Vitali, serves as the mayor of Kyiv, and Wladimir has used his platform to speak out in support of Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. As Russia continues to target Ukrainian cities, Klitschko has consistently emphasized the importance of global support for his country’s struggle for independence and territorial integrity.

Rogan’s comments, made during an episode of his podcast featuring music producer Scott Storch, sparked controversy due to his framing of the situation as one where Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are escalating a war that could spiral into a global conflict. Rogan expressed his belief that the U.S. involvement in the conflict is akin to a proxy war, where the United States, through its support of Ukraine, is essentially engaging in indirect warfare with Russia. Rogan suggested that this kind of escalation could lead to World War III, and he further criticized Biden’s decision to approve the missile strikes on Russian territory as “insane.”

The comedian and UFC commentator went on to argue that he would feel safer under a potential President Donald Trump, who has made clear his skepticism of U.S. involvement in the war. Rogan also discussed the idea of halting significant military actions from outgoing U.S. presidents, asserting that such decisions could have unintended and dangerous consequences. While he conceded that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was wrong, Rogan’s suggestion that the war is a proxy conflict is in line with the Russian government’s narrative, which denies Ukraine’s right to self-determination and frames the support it receives as part of a broader geopolitical struggle led by the U.S.

Klitschko responded directly to this characterization of the war. In his video, he pointed out that Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, had grossly underestimated Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, expecting the conflict to last only a few days. Three years into the war, the Russian forces are still struggling, largely due to the “heroism and sacrifice” of the Ukrainian people. Klitschko accused Rogan of inadvertently amplifying Russian propaganda, which he believes weakens democratic countries by sowing doubt and division. He further criticized the idea of equating Ukraine’s defensive actions with an aggressive push for global war, describing such rhetoric as harmful and misleading.

The issue of U.S. missile strikes on Russian territory is one that has divided opinion, even within the Biden administration. Reports from CNN have indicated that some of Biden’s own advisers were initially skeptical of allowing the use of long-range missiles in such a manner, fearing it could escalate the conflict. The concern is that such military actions might provoke retaliation from Russia, potentially triggering a broader war. However, many supporters of Ukraine argue that providing Ukraine with the tools to strike Russian military targets within Russian borders is a legitimate and necessary measure to protect Ukrainian sovereignty and push back against Russian aggression.

While Rogan’s comments have sparked criticism, he is not alone in his concerns about the war’s potential to spiral out of control. On November 21, a former Ukrainian official warned in a speech that the world may already be on the brink of a broader conflict. Even Putin himself has acknowledged that the war is becoming increasingly international in nature, with countries around the world taking sides in the conflict. However, the notion that the U.S. and NATO are waging a proxy war in Ukraine is disputed by many who argue that Ukraine is simply defending itself against an unprovoked invasion.

Rogan, who has become increasingly vocal in his support for former President Trump, has found himself at the center of a political storm. In recent weeks, he has endorsed Trump for the 2024 election, even hosting him on his podcast for a lengthy interview. Rogan’s relationship with Trump has been a subject of much debate, as the podcaster, who once expressed more neutral or even progressive views, has moved closer to the political right. Rogan has also been known for giving airtime to controversial figures and ideas, including conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine rhetoric, which have sparked backlash in certain circles.

In his video, Klitschko made an impassioned plea for clarity, urging people to see through the “weapon” of Russian propaganda and not fall for the narratives that serve only to undermine Ukraine’s right to self-defense. “Putin’s Russia is in trouble,” Klitschko stated. “So Putin wants to scare you and people like you. His war was supposed to last three days. It lasted three years, thanks to the heroism and sacrifice of us Ukrainians. You’re using the only weapon that Putin really intends to use: propaganda.”

As of now, Rogan has not publicly responded to Klitschko’s challenge for an interview. The situation remains a point of contention, with each side offering its own interpretation of the war and the global implications of continued U.S. involvement.

The debate over Ukraine’s right to defend itself and the broader geopolitical consequences of the conflict continues to unfold. With figures like Klitschko leading the charge for Ukraine, the world watches closely to see how these contentious issues evolve in the months ahead.