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Zelenskyy Warns Ukraine's Survival at Risk Without U.S. Support Amid Trump-Putin Truce Talks

Zelenskyy warns Ukraine’s survival is at risk without U.S. support as Trump plans truce talks with Putin. Kyiv demands real security guarantees for lasting peace.
2025-02-15
Zelenskyy Warns Ukraine's Survival at Risk Without U.S. Support Amid Trump-Putin Truce Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning, saying Ukraine has little chance of surviving Russia’s ongoing assault without continued U.S. military support. His remarks come amid former U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of plans to negotiate a truce with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In an interview with NBC News, Zelenskyy stated:

"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."

Trump’s Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy

The warning follows Trump's surprise revelation of recent phone conversations with both Putin and Zelenskyy. Trump declared that formal negotiations to end the war would begin soon after a call with the Russian leader. He also indicated skepticism about Ukraine’s NATO membership and suggested that Kyiv may need to cede some territory to achieve peace.

"I don’t think it’s practical for Kyiv to join NATO, and I doubt they’ll get back all their land," Trump reportedly said.

Ukraine’s Fears of a Ceasefire Trap

Zelenskyy dismissed the idea of a temporary ceasefire without long-term security guarantees, expressing concerns that:

  • A ceasefire could allow Russia to regroup.
  • Sanctions could be lifted, easing Moscow's economic pressures.
  • Russia might resume its offensive with greater strength.

"Putin doesn't want peace," Zelenskyy said. "He only wants time to rebuild his military."

Diplomatic Efforts in Munich

The Ukrainian president met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Friday at the Munich Security Conference, where he reiterated Ukraine's desire for peace with security guarantees.

Following the meeting, Zelenskyy posted on X (formerly Twitter):
"We want peace very much but we need real security guarantees."

VP Vance confirmed the U.S. administration's commitment to seeking a lasting peace while acknowledging concerns about Eastern European security.

"We want to achieve a durable, lasting peace, not one that leaves Eastern Europe in conflict again within a few years," Vance stated.

European Allies Demand Inclusion

The European Union and NATO allies voiced concerns over Trump’s unilateral approach. Several leaders insisted that any talks impacting European security must involve European stakeholders.

"Our continent has borne the brunt of this war. We must be part of the peace talks," said a senior EU official.

The Battlefield Reality

The war, now entering its third year, has seen more than one million casualties on both sides. Russia currently controls 20% of Ukrainian territory, with key strongholds in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

While Ukraine's military continues to resist, analysts warn that:

  • Dwindling Western military aid is weakening Kyiv’s defense capabilities.
  • Russia’s ongoing mobilization could tip the balance of power.
  • A prolonged ceasefire might become a strategic disadvantage for Ukraine.

What Comes Next?

With Trump's proposed talks looming and Ukraine's survival at stake, the next few weeks will be crucial. While the U.S. administration tries to navigate domestic political divisions and global diplomatic pressures, Ukraine remains firm:

"We will not accept a peace that compromises our sovereignty or future security," Zelenskyy declared.