Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has delivered one of his most sobering warnings yet: Ukraine has a “low chance to survive” Russia’s aggression without the continued support of the United States. Speaking in an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Zelenskyy underscored the vital role the US plays in Ukraine’s defense and future security.
The statement comes amid a dramatic shift in American diplomacy, as President Donald Trump initiated separate phone calls with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin—the first such conversations since Trump took office.
“Very Difficult” Without US Help
“Probably it will be very, very, very difficult. And of course, in all the difficult situations, you have a chance. But we will have a low chance—a low chance to survive without support of the United States,” Zelenskyy told NBC.
The excerpt, released ahead of the full Sunday broadcast, highlights Ukraine’s growing concern over a potential pivot in Washington’s stance, especially as Trump adopts a more assertive role in seeking a negotiated end to the war.
Trump’s Diplomatic Debut: Separate Calls with Putin and Zelenskyy
On Wednesday, President Trump spoke to both Putin and Zelenskyy in what he described as a major step toward ending the war in Ukraine. The call with Putin reportedly lasted around 90 minutes, while Zelenskyy’s team confirmed their discussion ran for about an hour. Trump later characterized both conversations as positive.
However, his follow-up remarks stirred unease in Kyiv: Trump dismissed the practicality of Ukraine joining NATO and cast doubt on whether Ukraine could regain all of its occupied territory.
Ukraine’s Position: Security Guarantees or NATO Membership
Ukraine maintains that lasting peace can only be achieved if Russia withdraws from all occupied areas and if Kyiv receives firm, long-term security guarantees—ideally through NATO membership or an equivalent alternative.
These demands have grown more urgent as Ukraine faces a war of attrition with Russia, which launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, following the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Zelenskyy: Putin Seeking Ceasefire to Regroup
In the NBC interview, Zelenskyy warned against being misled by Russia’s interest in negotiations, stating that Putin’s motive is not peace, but pause.
“He wants pause, prepare, train, take off some sanctions, because of ceasefire,” Zelenskyy said, suggesting that Moscow is seeking a break in hostilities to rebuild its military strength and regain international standing.
Zelenskyy’s remarks echo growing skepticism among Ukrainian and Western officials, who suspect that a ceasefire without clear terms would play to Russia’s advantage.
The Stakes for Ukraine—and the West
Zelenskyy’s comments mark a crucial moment in the conflict’s geopolitical narrative. As Trump prepares to reshape America’s foreign policy approach, Ukraine finds itself once again fighting not only on the battlefield but also in the halls of global diplomacy.
With Trump casting doubt on NATO accession and hinting at a potential shift in priorities, Zelenskyy’s appeal is urgent: without robust US support—military, financial, and diplomatic—Ukraine’s future remains perilously uncertain.
