By Okafor Joseph Afam, November 20, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Ukraine could lose the ongoing war with Russia if the United States ceases its funding and military support.

In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Zelenskyy emphasized the vital role of U.S. backing, expressing concern over the implications of losing international solidarity. He stated, “If they cut [funding], I think we will lose. Of course, we will still fight and rely on our own production, but it is not enough to prevail or even to survive.”

Trust in Trump’s Strength

Zelenskyy suggested that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could influence Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war, stating, “It will not be simple, but yes, he can, because he is stronger than Putin.”

Trump has vowed to prioritize domestic investments over foreign conflicts and claimed he could end the war within 24 hours, though he has yet to outline a concrete plan. Zelenskyy added, “The President of the United States has strength, authority, and weapons, and he can reduce the price of energy resources.”

Escalating Conflict

Zelenskyy’s remarks came as Ukraine deployed U.S.-supplied long-range missiles for the first time against Russian territory, with Washington’s approval. Additionally, President Joe Biden’s administration has agreed to provide Ukraine with anti-personnel landmines, according to U.S. defense officials.

Despite these measures, Zelenskyy described the current battlefield situation as a “very difficult period” for Ukraine. Russian forces have accelerated territorial gains, capturing approximately 2,700 square kilometers in 2024, a sixfold increase compared to the previous year, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s offensive in Russia’s Kursk region appears to be losing momentum, with Russian troops pushing back Ukrainian forces.

International Frictions

Zelenskyy criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for recently speaking with Putin by phone, calling it a “Pandora’s box” that undermines the isolation strategy needed to pressure Moscow. “It would be very dangerous if we lose unity in Europe, and what is most important is unity between Ukraine and the United States,” Zelenskyy noted.

As Ukraine continues to rely heavily on U.S. support, the evolving stance of the incoming Trump administration could significantly influence the trajectory of the war and the broader geopolitical landscape.