Zelensky Warns of a Potential Loss for Ukraine Without US Aid Approval

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukraine could lose the war against Russia if the United States Congress does not approve military aid to help resist the invasion. Zelensky emphasized the importance of addressing this issue directly to Congress during a video meeting with the Ukrainian fund-raising group UNITED24 on Sunday.

"If Ukraine loses this war, other countries will be attacked. This is a fact," stated Zelensky. His warning, one of the most serious since the war started over two years ago, comes at a time when Congress has been hesitant to approve a much-needed aid package for Ukraine. As a result, Kyiv is struggling with shortages of manpower and ammunition, while Russia continues to bomb Ukrainian cities and probe for vulnerabilities along the front line.

The US Senate approved a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill in February. The bill includes support for Ukraine and Israel. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has not yet scheduled a vote to pass the aid package specifically for Ukraine.

KHARKIV, UKRAINE - APRIL 04: Firefighters continue to work in the debris following the series of Russian drone attack in Novobavarskyi district of Kharkiv, Ukraine on April 4, 2024. The first drone targeted a three-story residential building at one in the morning. When the rescuers were working at the site of the impact, there was a second impact - three firefighters died on the spot. Another drone targeted a high-rise building a few blocks away, killing a woman there. As a result, it is reported that four people were killed and at least 11 were injured. (Photo by Yevhen Titov/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Firefighters in Kharkiv, Ukraine are continuing their efforts in the aftermath of a series of drone attacks on April 4, 2024. The first attack targeted a three-story residential building in the Novobavarskyi district at one in the morning. Tragically, as rescuers were on the scene, a second drone strike occurred, resulting in the deaths of three firefighters. Another drone targeted a high-rise building nearby, claiming the life of a woman. The attacks have resulted in four fatalities and at least 11 injuries. (Photo by Yevhen Titov/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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Zelensky warned CNN that if US lawmakers do not approve the aid package, "millions" could die in Ukraine's war with Russia.

In February 2022, Russia believed it could quickly capture Kyiv and the rest of Ukraine. However, Ukraine successfully defended its capital and later in 2022, regained control of some territories taken by Russia. This miscalculation by Moscow turned out to be disastrous.

The frontlines in Ukraine have remained largely unchanged, with Russia still in control of approximately one-fifth of the country's territory. Despite hopes of reclaiming lost land, Ukraine's efforts in the summer of 2023 did not break through Russia's defenses, resulting in a stalemate declared by Ukraine's Commander in Chief at the time.

Starting this year, Russia, with its superior manpower and technology, has been trying to take the lead by launching missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and pushing Ukraine forces to retreat from the town of Avdiivka in the east.

A man walks past a crater after Russian missile strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine, April 6, 2024.

A man walks past a crater after Russian missile strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine, April 6, 2024.

Anton Shtuka/AFP/Getty Images

Franz-Stefan Gady, an associate fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told CNN the war in Ukraine had entered a “transitional phase.”

Russia is currently carrying out probing attacks along the front line, attempting to make advancements wherever possible. Additionally, they appear to be preparing for a potential future offensive.

Despite European countries' efforts to fill the gap left by US aid, Gady emphasized that there is simply no replacement for the support that Washington can offer.

Ukraine is in need of US support this year. There are specific weapons systems and logistical support that European countries are unable to provide, like air defense systems, according to the president.

President Zelensky also cautioned that in the upcoming weeks, Russia may intensify efforts to introduce nuclear weapons into discussions, using threats and manipulation.

In a separate post on X, he thanked UNITED24’s ambassadors for “continuing to draw US attention to the Ukrainian people’s fight for freedom and independence.”

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the urgent need for US military aid to Ukraine, as emphasized by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky's warning that Ukraine could lose the war without this support underscores the critical importance of addressing this issue promptly. The hesitant approval of the aid package by Congress has left Kyiv facing shortages of manpower and ammunition, while Russia continues to escalate its attacks.

Despite Europe's efforts to provide assistance, Ukraine remains heavily reliant on US support for specific weapons systems and logistical aid. Zelensky's concerns about Russia's potential use of nuclear threats further emphasize the urgency of addressing this matter. The United States has a moral and strategic obligation to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom and independence. Failure to do so could have dire consequences not only for Ukraine but for the entire international community.