Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cautioned that Ukraine would face defeat in its war against Russia if the United States, its primary military backer, withdraws funding. Speaking to Fox News, Zelensky emphasized the critical importance of maintaining unity between Ukraine and the U.S. during this pivotal moment in the nearly three-year conflict.
“If they will cut [funding], I think we will lose,” Zelensky said, acknowledging that while Ukraine’s domestic production supports its defense, it is insufficient to prevail against Russia’s intensified military advances.
Zelensky’s comments come as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, raising concerns in Kyiv over his promises to end U.S. military involvement in foreign wars. Trump has pledged to end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours, though he has not provided details on how he plans to achieve this. Trump’s vice president-elect, Senator J.D. Vance, has also expressed opposition to further arms support for Ukraine.
The warning follows Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles for the first time and Biden’s recent approval of anti-personnel mines for Ukraine. Despite these measures, Ukraine is experiencing a “very difficult period,” with Russian forces seizing more territory in 2024 than in the previous year, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
As Zelensky navigates a challenging geopolitical landscape, he underscored the need for unwavering U.S. support to sustain Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty.
