President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Nov. 5 that Ukraine needs to adjust to shifting U.S. politics after the Democratic Party’s midterm election win to obtain additional aid.
“Ukraine needs to move towards a new political infrastructure in the United States of America,” Zelensky told TSN correspondent Olena Cherniakova.
With Democrats set to control the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives by 2027, Zelensky said Ukraine now has “increased chances” of securing additional aid. This includes unlocking assistance packages formed under President Biden that were then blocked by Republicans and the Trump administration following the 2024 elections.
“We need to raise the issue of the $16 billion that was previously agreed upon but not provided to Ukraine,” Zelensky said. “We are grateful for everything that has been given, but at the very least, Ukraine must fight for these funds.”
The top priority of Kyiv, Zelensky said, is securing more Patriot missiles for Ukraine’s depleted air defense systems.
“If we don’t solve the Patriot problem, it will get very tough for us,” Zelensky said. “This issue could be solved by Europe, some countries outside Europe, and, of course, the United States of America. This is the number one priority.”
The lack of air defense systems has exposed Ukraine to Russian attacks, resulting in severe power and water shortages. The first two weeks of October witnessed some of the highest civilian casualty rates since the war began, as reported by the United Nations.
On Oct. 30, the U.S. State Department approved a potential $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine. NATO’s top military commander confirmed that European allies’ purchases of American-made weapons were being delivered without delays.
Zelensky welcomed this decision but cautioned that deliveries might not start for “several years,” while Ukraine urgently needs the missiles this winter to safeguard its energy infrastructure from Russian attacks. He urged the U.S. and its partners to provide interceptors from existing stockpiles and replenish them later through the new contracts.
Besides Patriot missiles, Zelensky stressed the need for more F-16 fighter jets and their 20-mm ammunition to enhance Ukrainian security. These jets are vital for countering Russian jet-powered drones targeting Ukraine.
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