Aid for Ukraine has been held up by Republicans in the US Congress, and the White House has warned that it will run out by the end of the year if not renewed.

“We are working very hard on this, and I am certain the United States of America will not betray us, and that on which we agreed in the US will be fulfilled completely,” Zelensky said during a televised press briefing in Kyiv.

He added that financial assistance was key to Ukraine’s defence from Moscow’s full-scale attack, which is nearing its two-year mark and showing no signs of abating.

“They should know, our American partners, that we’re waiting for this aid. They know the details of what it’s needed for, how it will influence (the situation),” he said.

He also said he expected the EU to approve a €50 billion aid package soon. EU leaders approved the launch of membership negotiations, but Hungary blocked the aid package.

“I’m confident that we have already achieved all this,” Zelensky said. “The question now is one of a certain matter of time.”

Ukraine hopes to plug a US$43 billion budget deficit next year mostly with foreign aid, including €18.5 billion from the EU and more than US$8 billion from a US package that also contains vital military assistance.