Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed deep concern over Ukraine’s chances of surviving Russia’s ongoing invasion without support from the United States. Speaking in an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Zelensky said, “Probably it will be very, very, very difficult. And of course, in all the difficult situations, you have a chance. But we will have low chance – low chance to survive without support of the United States.”
The comments came after a series of phone calls between U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the discussions, Trump expressed a desire to de-escalate the conflict, but also signaled doubts about Ukraine’s prospects of joining NATO or regaining all its territory lost to Russian forces.
The calls marked Trump’s first significant diplomatic engagement in the conflict, as he promised to seek a swift resolution. While Trump did not see NATO membership as a feasible solution for Ukraine, Zelensky emphasized that the country needed such guarantees—or NATO membership itself—to safeguard against further Russian aggression.
Zelensky also accused Putin of seeking a ceasefire not to end the war, but to relieve sanctions and allow Russian forces to regroup. “This is really what he wants. He wants pause, prepare, train, take off some sanctions, because of ceasefire,” Zelensky explained.
In their phone call, Trump described his conversation with Putin as “a good conversation” lasting over an hour. The Kremlin indicated the call lasted nearly an hour and a half, while Zelensky’s office confirmed the call with him also lasted about an hour.
As the conflict continues, Ukraine remains adamant that Russia must withdraw from the occupied territories, including Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.
(With Reuters Inputs)