Zelensky warns that Ukraine’s chances of winning the war will decrease if US Congress withholds aid

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine issued a dire warning on Sunday, stating that his country will lose the war against Russia if the U.S. Congress does not approve a major military aid package. The situation has escalated as Russian forces intensify their pressure on the frontline city of Chasiv Yar.

The Ukrainian military has confirmed that the fighting in Chasiv Yar has been “difficult” and “tense,” but they are determined to resist the Russian advances. Both sides have increased air attacks, with Russia claiming that a Ukrainian drone struck the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which has been under Russian occupation since the invasion began in 2022.

Ukraine has been urgently requesting the United States to release a proposed $60 billion aid package that has been stalled by Republicans in Congress. Zelensky emphasized the importance of this aid during a video meeting, stating that without it, Ukraine will struggle to survive and could potentially lose the war, leading to further attacks on other states.

The Russian army has intensified its attacks on Chasiv Yar, which is located near the strategic hub of Kramatorsk. Oleg Kalashnikov, a spokesman for a Ukrainian army brigade in the area, reported that Russian forces are conducting assaults on nearby towns as well.

The conflict has resulted in civilian casualties, with reports of three people killed in Gulyaipole and additional casualties in Kupiansk and Kharkiv. Russia claimed to have destroyed multiple Ukrainian drones and reported a drone strike on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, raising concerns about the safety of the facility.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has urged caution, warning that the incident at the nuclear plant could potentially compromise the reactor’s containment system. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to engage in military actions, with the fate of Ukraine hanging in the balance.