Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning, asserting that Ukraine faces a losing battle against Russia unless the United States provides further military aid. Speaking during a meeting with the Ukrainian fundraising group UNITED24, Zelensky emphasized the crucial role of U.S. assistance in determining the outcome of the conflict.
He specifically addressed Congress, highlighting the urgency of their support and stressing that failure to assist Ukraine would result in its defeat, with potential repercussions extending to other nations.
The warning comes amidst ongoing debates within Congress regarding additional aid to Ukraine. While the Senate previously approved a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill inclusive of support for Kyiv, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has yet to bring the matter to a vote. Consequently, Ukraine grapples with severe shortages in manpower and ammunition, exacerbating the challenges posed by Russia’s intensified assault on Ukrainian cities.
Zelensky (Credits: CNN)
Zelensky’s recent remarks echo his earlier warnings, issued in February, where he emphasized the potential catastrophic consequences of inadequate support from the U.S. In response to skepticism regarding the impact of further funding on the conflict’s outcome, Zelensky urged individuals to witness firsthand the realities faced by Ukrainians on the front lines, emphasizing the dire need for assistance to prevent further casualties.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine during a meeting in Brussels, asserting that Washington remains committed to assisting Ukraine in its aspirations to join NATO. Despite the acknowledgment of escalating tensions with Moscow, Blinken emphasized the U.S.’s dedication to facilitating Ukraine’s path towards NATO membership.
However, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg cautioned that Ukraine might need to consider compromises with Russia to reach a resolution to the conflict.
While acknowledging the importance of supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities, Stoltenberg emphasized the need for Ukraine to ultimately decide on potential compromises to achieve a sustainable solution. He stressed the importance of long-term support for Ukraine, even in the event of an eventual cessation of hostilities, to bolster its defenses against future aggression.
