As Trump arrives, Zelensky urges allies not to ‘drop the ball’

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday appealed to representatives of nearly 50 countries to maintain their military support for Ukraine’s nearly three-year-old war with Russia, saying it would be “crazy to drop the ball now.”

“It is clear that a new chapter will begin for Europe and the whole world just 11 days from now, at a time when we must cooperate more, rely on each other more and achieve greater results together,” Zelensky said. In reference to the inauguration of US President-elect Donald J. Trump on January 20. Mr. Trump has done that He openly expressed his doubt On continuing to aid Ukraine once he takes office.

“I see this as a time of opportunity and renewal after nearly three years of total war,” the Ukrainian president said.

Mr. Zelensky then added: “We have come so far that it would be frankly crazy to drop the ball now and not continue to build on the defensive alliances we have created.”

His statements came at the twenty-fifth meeting of Ukrainian Defense Contact GroupIt was the summit that United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin called for the first time in the first weeks of the war to discuss Kiev’s security needs. The group has offered financial assistance, weapons, ammunition and other military equipment to Ukraine for use against Russia and Iran north korea Troops.

At the conference on Thursday, Mr. Austin announced a new $500 million military aid package for Ukraine, part of the presidential withdrawal authority that the Biden administration has used, in its final weeks, to keep support flowing for Ukraine.

The United States said the new aid includes air defense missiles, air-to-ground munitions, support equipment for F-16 fighter jets, and secure communications equipment.

In his final appearance with the group before the change of US administrations, Mr. Austin praised the coalition’s achievements — including pledges of more than $126 billion in security aid to Ukraine — and made an impassioned plea for continued support.

“The coalition that supports Ukraine must not back down. It must not falter. It must not fail,” Mr. Austin said at a news conference to conclude the summit. “Ukraine’s survival is at stake. But this is the case for our entire security.”

Asked whether he thought the new Trump administration would commit to the alliance, Mr. Austin declined to speculate, saying that was a decision “the next administration will have to make.”

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, a former prime minister of Estonia, said she hoped the United States under Trump would continue its strong support for Ukraine, but that the EU was ready to take a leadership role if necessary.

The Contact Group also welcomed its newest member, Cyprus, which broke with Russia – its long-time military backer – over President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

“We have been part of this effort for years from the beginning.” Lieutenant. Gen. Georgios TsitsikostasThe head of the Cyprus National Guard said in an interview before the opening of the meeting. “From the first moment, Cyprus declared its position close to Ukraine, although this had a price for us.”

General Tsitsikostas explained that his army has long used Russian equipment and enjoys good relations with Moscow, but noted that his country’s support for Kiev – which included humanitarian assistance and training Ukrainian soldiers to clear mines in Cypriot territory – led to some friction with Russia.

The general said that the Cypriot army, like many former military clients of Russia, has begun purchasing weapons compatible with NATO standards, which are part of A global effort by the United States Reorganize more countries previously linked to Moscow by establishing closer ties with the United States and NATO. Cyprus is a member of the European Union but not NATO.

With support from the United States likely to be withdrawn in a second Trump administration, securing aid from more countries like Cyprus is just as crucial to Mr. Zelensky’s war effort as is maintaining support from as many countries within the Contact Group as possible. .

“No matter what happens in the world, everyone wants to feel confident that their country will not just be wiped off the map,” Zelensky said. “It used to depend on a few big capitalists, but now it’s up to all of us how we work together, how willing we are to own our future, and how much we can convince our partners to stand with us.”

He added: “The more determination we show in defending our interests, the more attention will be paid to our partners, especially the United States, who think it is good to stay by our side.”

Cassandra Winograd He contributed reporting from Kyiv, Ukraine.