Zelensky Can Still Hold Out for 'Indefinite Period'—Former NATO Commander

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, retired U.S. Navy Admiral James Stavridis predicted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky can still "hold out for an indefinite period," even without the United States' backing, assuming European allies continue their support.

Newsweek has reached out to the Ukrainian embassy and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for comment on Saturday morning.

Why It Matters

After a heated meeting between Zelensky, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House on Friday, continued U.S. support for Ukraine currently appears unlikely.

The U.S. has been a critical ally for Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion just over three years ago. According to German-based think tank the Kiel Institute, the U.S. has spent just under $120 billion on Ukraine between early 2022 and December 2024. The Defense Department has put the total support for the war effort at nearly $183 billion, which includes military training in Europe and the replenishment of U.S. defense stockpiles.

At the same time, other NATO members—including Canada and European nations—have spent billions on the effort to push back Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces as well. The Kiel Institute puts the figure at nearly $139 billion from European countries, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said 60 percent of Ukraine's support from member states came from Canada and Europe in 2024.

What to Know

Stavridis, who previously served as NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe from 2009 to 2013, discussed the latest developments between Ukraine and the U.S. during an interview with CNN's Smerconish on Saturday.

The retired admiral said "there will still be a lot of capacity going toward Ukraine," even without the U.S. support. Stavridis said he assumes aid from other NATO members to Ukraine will "continue and even go up."

"In that scenario, I think the Europeans backing to the Ukrainians—I think Zelensky can hold out for an indefinite period," he said.

What Happened in Zelensky's White House Meeting?

The White House meeting was a striking exchange of open antagonism in the Oval Office, a space typically reserved for formal diplomacy, especially among U.S. allies. Trump made clear his pressure on Zelensky to agree to a deal securing U.S. interests in Ukraine's valuable minerals and to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the war on his terms.

Vance told Zelensky: "Mr. President, with respect. I think it's disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media."

Zelensky attempted to interject, but Trump eventually raised his voice, warning: "You're gambling with the lives of millions of people. You're gambling with World War III, and what you're doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that's backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have."

The mineral deal was not signed and the discussion of a path forward was cut short. Zelensky left the White House early and a press conference scheduled to take place after the meeting was canceled.

What People Are Saying

President Donald Trump on Truth Social: "We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It's amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don't want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace."

President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that."

Former Wyoming GOP Representative Liz Cheney, a Trump critic, wrote on X: "Generations of American patriots, from our revolution onward, have fought for the principles Zelenskyy is risking his life to defend. But today, Donald Trump and JD Vance attacked Zelenskyy and pressured him to surrender the freedom of his people to the KGB war criminal who invaded Ukraine. History will remember this day—when an American President and Vice President abandoned all we stand for."

Dmitry Medvedev, a key Putin adviser and former Russian president and prime minister, wrote on Telegram: "A fierce dressing down in the Oval Office. Trump told the cocaine clown the truth to his face for the first time: the Kiev regime is playing with World War III. And the ungrateful pig got a solid slap from the pigsty owners. This is useful."

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: "There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a people being aggressed: Ukraine. We were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago and to continue doing so. We, that's the Americans, the Europeans, Canadians, Japanese, and many others. Thank you to all those who have helped and continue to do so. And respect to those who, from the beginning, have been fighting. Because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, for their children, and for the security of Europe."

Yuriy Boyechko, founder and CEO of Hope for Ukraine, previously told Newsweek: "We will not surrender to Russia, which continues to kill our people daily, even if the United States chooses to walk away. Ukraine's fight for freedom, sovereignty, and the survival of its people will continue, with or without international support."

What Happens Next?

Zelensky will head to the United Kingdom on Saturday for talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he looks to shore up support from other allies. The long-term ramifications of the exchange with Trump remain unclear.

Leaders from NATO members quickly voiced their continued support for Ukraine following the tense White House exchange. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said an "immediate summit needs to be held between the United States, European states and allies in order to speak frankly about how we intend to address today's major challenges."