Zelenskyy warns Ukraine’s survival at risk without US military support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine's survival would be "very, very, very difficult" without continued U.S. military support, stressing the challenge of resisting Russia both now and in the future.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on February 14, Zelenskyy told US media that the survival of Ukraine hinged on the support of the United States, Caliber.Az reports.

“We will have low chance, low chance, to survive without support of the United States. I think it’s very important, critical," he remarked, stressing the severity of the situation for his nation.

The Ukrainian president also expressed his deep concern about Russia's future intentions, asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not seeking peace but rather a ceasefire that would enable the Russian military to regroup and circumvent international sanctions. "This is really what he wants. He wants to pause, prepare, train, take off some sanctions," Zelenskyy said, describing Russia's broader strategy.

Zelenskyy’s comments come at a time of increasing tension within the international community, particularly regarding European and American positions on the conflict. During the summit, U.S. Vice President JD Vance sparked controversy by criticizing European leaders for failing to uphold "values shared with the United States." In a pointed rebuttal, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier highlighted the detrimental impact of the Trump administration’s policies, which he claimed undermined long-standing international trust and partnership.

As the war in Ukraine continues to stalemate, with Russia controlling around 20% of Ukrainian territory, Zelenskyy faces a growing dilemma. Ukraine's exhausted forces are in dire need of reinforcements and weaponry, while the support from the U.S. and Europe remains pivotal to their resistance. Despite the U.S. administration's support under President Biden, Zelenskyy has repeatedly voiced concerns about the shifting political landscape, with figures such as Donald Trump expressing more conciliatory tones towards Russia.

Trump, who has previously signalled willingness to negotiate directly with Putin, risks alienating both Ukraine and European allies, many of whom view a Russian victory as a dangerous precedent. “Vance’s speech felt like he was trying to pick a fight with us, and we don’t want to pick a fight with our friends," said European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, referring to the tensions emerging within the Munich summit.

Amid the geopolitical complexities, Zelenskyy remains resolute, expressing a belief that a decisive push from the U.S., including from figures like Trump, could help halt Putin’s advance. "If he will choose our side, and if he will not be in the middle, I think he will pressure, and he will push Putin to stop the war," Zelenskyy said during a panel discussion with U.S. senators at the conference.

The conflict, now in its third year, has become the bloodiest European war since World War II, claiming an estimated one million lives, including tens of thousands of soldiers from both Ukraine and Russia. As the war grinds on, the stakes could not be higher for Ukraine, with Zelenskyy’s appeal for continued U.S. support reflecting the dire straits his country faces in this global struggle.

For Zelenskyy, the U.S. partnership remains indispensable not just for the present fight, but for securing Ukraine’s future. Without it, the survival of Ukraine as an independent, sovereign nation remains uncertain.

By Aghakazim Guliyev