Without continuous U.S. military support, Ukraine may not last more than six months in its war against Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned in a recent interview. As geopolitical tensions rise, uncertainties loom over Kyiv’s future amid shifting international alliances.
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and since then, the war has raged on. Now, former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly taking steps to end the conflict. As part of his efforts, he has announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia. A preparatory meeting between top representatives of both nations was held in Riyadh on Tuesday. However, notably absent from the discussions was any Ukrainian representative—a development that has raised serious concerns for Zelensky and European leaders. In response, European officials are set to convene an emergency meeting in Paris.
Ahead of the Paris talks, Zelensky, in an interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press, admitted that Ukraine’s survival hinges on U.S. military aid. “Without American support, we wouldn’t last six months against Russia,” he said, warning of dire consequences if Washington withdraws its backing.
Trump had previously hinted at suspending U.S. military assistance to Ukraine in December. Meanwhile, tensions between Kyiv and Washington have escalated further, with Trump claiming ownership of 50% of Ukraine’s rare mineral resources as a form of repayment for military aid. Zelensky outright rejected Trump’s demand, casting uncertainty over long-term U.S.-Ukraine relations.
With Kyiv’s reliance on American support in question, European nations are under pressure to fill the gap. However, experts remain skeptical about whether Europe alone can sustain Ukraine’s war effort. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference (February 14–16), Zelensky proposed forming a European military force, acknowledging that the U.S. might oppose such an initiative, seeing it as a strategic threat.
Former Ukrainian Deputy Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Ihor Romanenko, echoed Zelensky’s concerns, stating that Europe cannot replace U.S. military support. “Without Washington’s assistance, Ukraine can only hold out for about six months,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Russian aggression continues unabated. On Wednesday night, Russian forces launched heavy strikes on the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa, leaving thousands without electricity. According to Zelensky, at least 160,000 residents face power outages, 14 schools, a kindergarten, and several hospitals.
Liberty News’ international correspondent states that as Ukraine braces for an uncertain future, the question remains: can Kyiv withstand the war without U.S. aid, or is a geopolitical realignment inevitable?
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