Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told NBC News Meet the Press that he doesn’t want to consider the possibility of losing American support. Speaking on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine’s survival—both now, as it defends against Russia’s invasion, and in the future—depends heavily on U.S. military assistance.
“Without U.S. support, it would be very, very, very difficult,” he said. “In any difficult situation, there is a chance. But without America, our chances of survival would be very low. It’s critical.”
Zelenskyy expressed deep concern about Ukraine’s long-term security, warning that without sustained American backing, the country could face another major Russian assault. He also accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of seeking a ceasefire not to end the war but to buy time, regroup his forces, and push for sanctions relief.
“This is what he wants,” Zelenskyy said. “A pause to prepare, to train, to lift some sanctions under the pretext of a ceasefire.”
His remarks came during a tense summit in Germany, where U.S. Vice President JD Vance clashed with European leaders on various issues unrelated to Ukraine, criticizing them for failing to uphold “shared values” with the U.S. In response, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned the Trump administration for its disregard of long-standing partnerships and trust.
The growing divide between the U.S. and Europe comes at a precarious moment for Ukraine. While the war has largely stalled, Russian forces continue to make slow but steady gains, now controlling about 20% of Ukrainian territory. Ukraine, struggling with shortages of weapons and troops, had hoped for continued robust U.S. support.
The shift in White House leadership has brought a dramatically different approach. Former President Joe Biden supported Ukraine’s victory, even if he sometimes hesitated in providing all requested military aid. But Trump and his allies’ recent statements have unsettled and even alarmed many European officials, who see preventing a Russian victory as crucial for Western security.
Vance’s speech at the Munich summit was perceived as antagonistic. “It felt like he was trying to pick a fight with us,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. “And we don’t want to pick a fight with our friends.”
Yet, Trump appears to be doing just that. His administration has hinted at major concessions to Putin, including potential Ukrainian territorial losses and abandoning the country’s NATO aspirations. Officials and experts worry that such moves could embolden Russia and further destabilize Europe.
Despite these concerns, Zelenskyy remains diplomatic. In an interview with The Economist, he noted that the U.S. has no clear plan for peace but insisted that Ukraine would reject any deal brokered between Washington and Moscow without Kyiv’s involvement.
“Trump is a strong man,” Zelenskyy said during a panel with U.S. senators. “If he chooses our side and doesn’t stay neutral, he could pressure Putin to stop the war. He has the power to do it.”
Although Trump has offered little reassurance, Vance suggested in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that Russia could still face economic penalties. “There are many ways to exert leverage—economic, military,” Vance said. “We do care about Ukraine maintaining its sovereignty.”
European leaders, however, worry not just about Ukraine but also about what comes next. Intelligence agencies warn that if Russia perceives NATO as weakened, it could launch an attack on a member state within the next five years.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the deadliest European conflict since World War II, reviving trench warfare and large-scale battles once thought to be relics of the past. NATO estimates that up to a million people have died, including hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian and Russian soldiers.
The war shows no signs of abating. In the brutal, frozen landscapes of eastern Ukraine, an estimated 10,000 people are killed or injured every week. As Zelenskyy fights to secure continued support, the outcome of the conflict—and the future of Europe—hangs in the balance.
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