Ukraine President Zelensky Says Survival Depends on US Support Amid Russian Assault
In a recent interview on the NBC News program “Meet the Press,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed grave concerns about his country’s ability to withstand Russia’s ongoing assault without the support of the United States. Zelensky emphasized the critical role that US assistance plays in Ukraine’s survival amidst the conflict with Russia.
Following phone calls this week between US President Donald Trump, Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky highlighted the challenging circumstances Ukraine faces in the absence of American backing. He acknowledged that the situation is incredibly difficult and stated, “We will have a low chance to survive without support of the United States.”
Trump’s recent discussions with Putin and Zelensky marked a significant diplomatic effort to address the ongoing war and bring about a resolution to the conflict. During these conversations, Trump expressed skepticism about Ukraine joining NATO and the likelihood of regaining all its lost territory, including Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 has further escalated tensions in the region.
Ukraine has been steadfast in its demands for Russia to withdraw from captured territory and secure NATO membership or equivalent security guarantees to prevent future aggression from Moscow. Zelensky revealed in the interview that Putin’s intention in seeking negotiations was not to end the war but to secure a ceasefire agreement that would ease global sanctions on Russia and allow for military regrouping.
Trump characterized his call with Putin as positive and lasting over an hour, while the Kremlin reported a nearly hour-and-a-half discussion. Zelensky’s office confirmed that Trump and Zelensky spoke for approximately an hour, with Trump describing the call as successful.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia remains a pressing international concern, with the involvement of key global leaders shaping the trajectory of negotiations and potential outcomes. The importance of US support for Ukraine’s survival in the face of Russian aggression underscores the critical role that diplomatic efforts and strategic alliances play in resolving complex geopolitical conflicts.
(This article is based on information from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by NDTV staff.)