Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has delivered a stark warning: Ukraine could lose the war if the United States cuts its crucial military funding. In a recent interview with Fox News, Zelensky emphasized the essential role the US plays in Ukraine’s defense against Russia, stating, “If they will cut, I think we will lose.” His remarks underscore the heavy dependence Ukraine has on Western support, particularly the military aid provided by the United States, which has been vital in bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities against the relentless Russian assault.
Zelensky made it clear that losing the financial and military backing from the US would significantly diminish Ukraine’s ability to sustain its resistance efforts. Despite Ukraine’s resolve to continue fighting, Zelensky warned that without continued support, the resources available to Ukraine would not be sufficient to either survive or prevail in the conflict. “Of course anyway we will stay, we will fight, we have our production but it is not enough to prevail and I think it is not enough to survive,” he added. The President also stressed the importance of unity, not just within Europe but especially between Ukraine and the US, calling the relationship a cornerstone of Ukraine’s survival in the war.
The statement comes at a time when the future of US military support is uncertain, particularly with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has campaigned on promises to withdraw from foreign conflicts and prioritize domestic issues. Trump has previously suggested that he could bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war “within 24 hours,” although he has not detailed how this would be achieved. While Zelensky expressed skepticism about Trump’s ability to end the war quickly, he acknowledged that the US president has the power to influence Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Putin is weaker than the United States. The President of the United States has the strength, authority and weapons, and he can decrease the price of energy resources,” Zelensky said.
The war’s military dynamics are growing more intense. On Tuesday, Ukraine made headlines by firing US-supplied longer-range missiles at Russian territory for the first time, a development that followed the US’s approval for their use. Additionally, President Joe Biden agreed to supply Ukraine with anti-personnel landmines, further cementing US involvement in Ukraine’s defense efforts. However, Zelensky acknowledged that the battlefield situation is becoming increasingly dire for Ukraine.
Recent reports from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reveal alarming advancements by Russian forces. The analysis shows that Russia has seized six times more Ukrainian territory in 2024 compared to the previous year, with an estimated 2,700 square kilometers of land taken so far in 2024, compared to just 465 square kilometers in 2023. This sharp increase in territorial gains reflects the growing pressure on Ukrainian forces, particularly as Russian military advances continue along the frontlines.
One of the more troubling aspects of the conflict is Ukraine’s faltering incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. Initially seen as a bold move to strike at Russian soil, this offensive has met strong resistance, with Russian troops pushing back against Ukraine’s forces, reversing some of the gains made in the operation. The ISW’s analysis suggests that the war’s momentum is shifting in Russia’s favor, presenting a difficult challenge for Ukraine’s military leadership.
Zelensky also took issue with recent diplomatic moves by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Ukrainian leader criticized Scholz for holding a phone conversation with Putin last week, calling it a “Pandora’s box” that could weaken the international pressure on Russia. For Zelensky, such discussions with Putin serve to isolate the Russian leader less, potentially giving Moscow more room to maneuver on the world stage.
As the war continues, Zelensky’s message is clear: the unity of the West, especially the US’s unwavering support, remains vital to Ukraine’s ability to continue its resistance. With Russia making strategic gains and the future of international aid uncertain, Ukraine faces an increasingly precarious position in the ongoing conflict. The battle for Ukraine’s survival is far from over, but Zelensky’s call for continued Western solidarity is louder than ever.
