Following the Democratic Party’s resounding victory in the midterm elections, Ukraine must adapt to changing U.S. politics to secure more aid, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Nov. 5 interview.
“Ukraine needs to move towards a new political infrastructure in the United States of America,” Zelensky told TSN correspondent Olena Cherniakova. “We need to consolidate the bipartisan support we have. Understanding the shifting power dynamics, it is crucial to build the right dialogue.”
With Democrats set to control the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives come 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,” said Zelensky. “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.”
With a shortage of air defense systems, Russian attacks have pummeled Ukraine and wrought severe power and water shortages. The first two weeks of October saw some of the highest rates of civilian deaths since the start of the war, according to the United Nations.
On Oct. 30, the U.S. State Department approved a possible $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine. The same day, NATO’s top military commander said deliveries of American-made weapons purchased by European allies were continuing without delays.
While welcoming the decision, Zelensky warned deliveries could begin “only in a few years,” while Ukraine needs the missiles this winter to defend its energy infrastructure against Russian attacks. The president urged the U.S. and its partners to provide interceptors from existing stockpiles and replenish them later through the new contracts.
In addition to Patriot missiles, Zelensky said securing more F-16 fighter jets and their 20-mm ammunition is vital to Ukrainian security. The jets are used by Ukrainian forces to defend against waves of jet-powered drones used by Moscow to attack targets in Ukraine.