Zelensky warns of defeat if US halts military support to Ukraine
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has underscored the importance of unity between Ukraine, the US, and European allies during what he described as "the most difficult period" of the conflict.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a press conference during the European Political Community (EPC) Summit at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, on November 7, 2024. (AP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine would face defeat in its war with Russia if the United States withdraws military support.
"If they will cut, I think we will lose," Zelensky stated during a Tuesday interview with Fox News when asked about the potential impact of reduced US military funding.
Zelensky described the current phase of the war as "the most difficult period," emphasizing the critical need for unity between Ukraine and its allies. He stressed the importance of cohesion among European countries and, most importantly, between Ukraine and the United States.
Commenting on the US presidential election, Zelensky expressed confidence in President-elect Donald Trump’s ability to end the war.
"It will not be simple, but I think if, to use all the issues that the United States has, yes, he can. Because he is much stronger than Putin. He’s stronger. The United States is stronger. Economy, stronger. The United States has a very big influence," Zelensky stressed.
Russia intercepts 5 ATACMS launched by Ukraine after Biden approval
Ukraine launched six US-made ATACMS missiles targeting Russia's Bryansk region on Tuesday, according to Russia's Defense Ministry. The strike comes shortly after US President Joe Biden relaxed restrictions on Ukraine's use of American weapons, marking a significant shift as the war reaches its 1,000-day milestone.
Ukrainian military officials claim they hit a weapons depot in Bryansk overnight, though details about the specific arms used were not disclosed. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that multiple explosions reverberated through the targeted site.
Russia's Defense Ministry responded by announcing that its forces intercepted five of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles and partially damaged another. The debris reportedly landed on a nearby military facility, causing a fire but no injuries or structural damage.
These developments follow Biden's authorization allowing Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory, lifting some previous restrictions on longer-range US missile systems.
The decision to provide Ukraine with long-range ATACMS missiles has been a contentious issue since the war in Ukraine began, with some Pentagon officials concerned about limited US supplies, while White House officials feared escalating the war by supplying the missiles.
Supporters of a tougher stance on Russia argue that Biden’s cautious approach has hindered Ukraine’s battlefield success, while others believe it has helped avoid direct Russian retaliation.
