Ukraine: ‘We’ll Last Six Months’ if Trump Cuts Military Aid

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Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-02-18 08:47:46 |

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Zelenskyy Warns of Ukraine’s Survival Without US Support

Ahead of an emergency summit in Paris, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed deep concern about the future of his country if US military aid is cut. In an interview with NBC's Meet the Press, Zelenskyy said, “We will have low chance – low chance to survive without support of the United States,” emphasizing the critical importance of US backing for Ukraine’s defense efforts amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

Trump’s Position on US Aid Raises Concerns

The uncertainty surrounding US support for Ukraine has grown after President Donald Trump suggested in December that he might reduce military aid to the country. In a recent move, Zelenskyy rejected a proposed agreement offering Washington access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for continued military assistance. This refusal, coupled with Trump’s calls with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, has left Ukraine and its European allies uncertain about the long-term outlook for US involvement in the conflict.

Europe Faces Pressure to Fill the Gap

With US support in question, Ukraine is increasingly relying on Europe to provide military aid. However, European leaders face significant challenges. Zelenskyy acknowledged this reality during the Munich Security Conference, stressing that Europe might not be able to fully replace the vital US military aid Ukraine receives. Meanwhile, political divisions within Europe, such as opposition from Hungary and Slovakia, and the rise of Germany’s far-right AfD party, could complicate coordinated action to bolster Ukraine’s defense.

Challenges in Scaling Up European Support

Even if Europe reaches an agreement to increase military aid, there are difficulties in scaling up weapons and ammunition production to meet Ukraine’s needs. According to Lieutenant General Ihor Romanenko, Europe is unlikely to be able to replace the vast level of aid that the US currently provides. The challenge is compounded by Russia’s strong defense industry, which is outpacing NATO’s in weapons production, underscoring the urgency for Europe to reinvigorate its defense industrial base.

Russian and North Korean Support for Moscow

Meanwhile, Russia has continued to strengthen its position through external support. North Korea has reportedly sent troops to Russian-held territory and supplied Moscow with millions of artillery shells, as confirmed by Ukrainian intelligence. These developments highlight the shifting dynamics of the conflict, where external alliances are increasingly shaping the military capabilities of both sides.

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