Trump: Ukraine May Not Survive With or Without U.S. Aid

Ukraine “may not survive” Russia’s full-scale invasion, regardless of American support, U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with Fox News on March 9.

Fox News correspondent Maria Bartiromo referenced Polish President Andrzej Duda’s earlier statement that Ukraine would not survive without U.S. assistance.

“Are you comfortable with that? The fact that you walked away, and Ukraine may not survive?” Bartiromo asked.

“Well, it may not survive anyway,” Trump responded.

Trump also accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of lacking gratitude for U.S. support and claimed, “I’ve been tougher on Russia than anybody’s ever been.”

He did not directly address his decision to freeze military aid or specify the conditions under which the U.S. might resume arms deliveries to Ukraine.

On March 7, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in his evening address that Ukraine is currently engaged in its most intensive discussions yet with Trump’s team, aiming for a swift and lasting peace.

Although negotiations have resumed, NBC News reported earlier on March 9 that Trump does not intend to unfreeze military aid even if a deal is reached. According to senior officials, Trump wants Zelenskyy to change his stance on peace talks and show a willingness to make territorial concessions to Russia.

U.S. and Ukrainian delegations are scheduled to meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 11 to discuss the framework for a potential peace agreement with Russia.

On March 5, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz suggested that Trump may lift the pause on military aid once peace negotiations are in place and confidence-building measures are taken, Reuters reported.