Zelensky says Ukraine has ‘low chance’ of survival without US support — and insists he trusts Trump

The Critical Role of US Military Aid in Ukraine’s Survival

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has underscored the pivotal role of US military aid in his country’s ability to withstand Russian aggression. In a recent interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, Zelensky expressed his belief that Ukraine’s chances of survival without American support would be “low.” He emphasized that while there is always some chance of success in difficult situations, the odds would be significantly stacked against Ukraine without the backing of the United States. Zelensky’s remarks highlight the gravity of the situation and the reliance of Ukraine onexternal assistance to counter Russia’s unprovoked invasion, which began nearly three years ago.

The US has been a key provider of military aid to Ukraine, committing tens of billions of dollars in assistance. This support has enabled Ukraine to defy expectations and survive longer than many military experts initially predicted. While Ukraine has made strides in increasing its domestic production of military hardware, Zelensky acknowledged that these efforts are still insufficient to meet the scale of the threat posed by Russia. The pressing need for external support underscores the importance of continued American involvement in the conflict.

Trust in President Trump and the Push for a Peace Deal

Despite the complexities of international diplomacy, Zelensky has expressed trust in President Trump, citing his position as the President of the United States and the democratic choice of the American people. Zelensky has sought to appeal to Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy by proposing a deal that would allow the US to access Ukraine’s vast mineral resources in exchange for continued American support. This pragmatic approach reflects Zelensky’s recognition of the need to align Ukraine’s interests with those of its key allies.

President Trump, for his part, has been vocal about his desire to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. Recent developments include a call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, with Trump indicating that negotiations could begin “immediately.” Zelensky, however, has expressed skepticism about Putin’s intentions, recalling a conversation with Trump in which he warned the US President that Putin is a “liar” who does not genuinely seek peace. Despite these reservations, Zelensky believes that Trump has the potential to push Putin toward negotiations, though he cautioned against trusting Putin’s words or relying solely on ceasefire agreements.

Ukraine’s Stance on Negotiations and Territorial Integrity

Zelensky has been clear about his red lines in any potential negotiations to end the war. He has categorically rejected the possibility of any decisions being made about Ukraine without its direct involvement, stating, “I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine. Never.” This stance reflects Ukraine’s determination to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

On the issue of territorial concessions, Zelensky has ruled out formally ceding any Ukrainian territory to Russia. While he has acknowledged that Ukraine may lack the military capacity to recapture all of its occupied lands, he has emphasized that the annexation of Ukrainian territory by Russia—such as Crimea, which was seized in 2014—will never be recognized as legitimate under Ukrainian law. Zelensky has instead suggested that some territories may need to be recovered through diplomatic means, though he remains resolute in his commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

The Wider Geopolitical Implications and the Role of NATO

Zelensky has also warned about the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict, particularly the potential consequences of US withdrawal from NATO. He has argued that such a move would severely weaken the alliance and embolden Putin to pursue further aggression in Europe. “The risk that Russia will occupy Europe is 100%,” Zelensky warned, highlighting the destabilizing impact of a weakened NATO on regional security.

Zelensky has expressed concern that Putin is waiting for NATO to weaken before making his next move, potentially targeting member states such as Poland or Lithuania. He has urged the United States to maintain its military presence in Europe, as any withdrawal would undermine the stability of the continent. Zelensky’s warnings underscore the importance of maintaining a strong and united NATO in the face of Russian aggression.

Conclusion

In summary, President Volodymyr Zelensky has painted a stark picture of Ukraine’s dependence on US military aid and his trust in President Trump’s ability to influence Putin. While he remains skeptical of Putin’s intentions and opposes any territorial concessions, Zelensky has emphasized the need for Ukraine to be directly involved in any negotiations about its future. The wider geopolitical implications of the conflict, particularly the role of NATO in deterring Russian aggression, highlight the high stakes of the ongoing war. As the situation continues to evolve, Zelensky’s leadership and diplomatic efforts will be critical in shaping Ukraine’s path forward.