Zelensky Declares When He Would No Longer Consider the U.S. a Strategic Partner

The U.S. will cease to be Ukraine's strategic partner if Washington does not provide a aid package. This was stated by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky, as reported by TASS.

"I believe that this is a treacherous position. No, because I do not think that our strategic partner can afford not to support Ukraine. In other words, I do not see an opportunity to adopt such a position for a strategic partner," said Zelensky.

He also noted that the U.S.'s allied position towards Ukraine would be maintained.

Previously, Zelensky had found himself in an awkward situation at the Munich Security Conference. His joke about U.S. assistance for Ukraine did not elicit the expected response from the audience, as attendees welcomed him with silence.

During a press conference, CNN journalist Christian Amanpour asked Zelensky what he would say to American congressmen who oppose the bill allocating aid to Ukraine. To which Zelensky replied with a smile, "Then I won't do it," leading to a few seconds of silence in the room.

He then added that he intends to meet with U.S. congress members soon to discuss the blocked funding bill.