Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he “doesn’t understand” how former President Donald Trump “can be on the side” of Russia in an interview with CNN.

“I don’t understand how Donald Trump is on the side of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. It’s unimaginable,” he said, according to excerpts of the interview, which is expected to be broadcast Monday night (local time).

The Republican former president, a heavy favorite to win his party’s nomination for the November presidential election, urged his supporters in Congress to block $60 billion in US military aid to Kiev.

The 77-year-old former tycoon has previously assured that he can end the conflict in Ukraine “within 24 hours” if re-elected.

“I don’t believe Donald Trump knows Putin. I know he met him but he never opposed him,” the Ukrainian president continues.

“I don’t think (Trump) realizes that Putin will never stop,” he adds.

Ukraine appears greatly weakened in the face of Russian troops and awaits the Western weapons necessary for its survival as the war enters its third year. Ukraine’s victory or defeat “depends on you,” President Zelensky told his allies on Sunday.

The Ukrainians have been recording defeats for weeks in the east, mainly with the loss of the fortress city of Avdiivka and today with their withdrawal from the village of Lastotskyne, near Avdiivka.

In the CNN interview, President Zelensky further warns that “millions of people will be killed” if the United States does not offer its support again.