Zelensky: Losing to Putin is ‘the same’ as death

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday losing the war against Russia would amount to the same tragic end as death — as Ukraine enters its third year since Russia launched its invasion.

In an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Zelensky was asked about an earlier statement in which he said losing would be worse than death.

“Do you still feel that way today?” Collins asked.

“It’s the same,” Zelensky said. “The same for today.”

“Because when he wants only one goal, for him, is just to kill you, your people,” Zelensky continued. “To lose [to] him, it means to be killed.”

Zelensky’s interview comes as U.S. lawmakers struggle to find the political will to pass President Biden’s supplemental aid request for foreign aid, including billions of dollars to Ukraine. The Senate passed a national security package with $60 billion for Ukraine, but House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has refused to take up the package.

While members of Congress try to find alternative legislative deals that include the Ukraine funding, many international security experts warn of the danger of further delays to providing aid — which they see as a strategic investment to prevent a larger war.

Zelensky, in the interview, said the U.S. aid would be consequential in determining the future trajectory of the war. He said Sunday there would be no new military advancements for the year if the country did not receive the aid he says it desperately needs.