Key facts
- Zelensky said Ukraine must raise the $16 billion previously agreed but not provided, calling it a fight Kyiv must pursue.
- Zelensky named Patriot missiles as Ukraine's number one priority, warning the problem must be solved or conditions will get very tough.
- Zelensky said Patriot deliveries under the new contract could begin only in a few years, while Ukraine needs interceptors this winter.
- Zelensky urged partners to supply interceptors from existing stockpiles and replenish them later through new contracts.
- Zelensky also named F-16 fighter jets and their 20-mm ammunition as vital to Ukrainian security.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a November 5 interview with TSN correspondent Olena Cherniakova that Kyiv must adapt to changed US politics after the Democratic Party's midterm victory and consolidate the bipartisan support it holds. "Ukraine needs to move towards a new political infrastructure in the United States of America," Zelensky said, adding that building the right dialogue is crucial given the shifting power dynamics.
With Democrats set to control the Senate and House of Representatives from 2027, Zelensky said Ukraine has "increased chances" of securing more aid. He said Kyiv must raise the issue of the $16 billion previously agreed but not provided, assistance formed under President Biden that he said Republicans and the Trump administration blocked after the 2024 elections. "We are grateful for everything that has been given, but at the very least, Ukraine must fight for these funds," he said.
Zelensky named more Patriot missiles for Ukraine's depleted air defense as Kyiv's top priority. "If we don't solve the Patriot problem, it will get very tough for us," he said, adding that Europe, some countries outside Europe and the United States could address it. He said Russian attacks have caused severe power and water shortages, and the United Nations reported some of the highest rates of civilian deaths since the war began in the first two weeks of October.
The US State Department approved a possible $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine on October 30. The same day, NATO's top military commander said deliveries of American-made weapons purchased by European allies were continuing without delays. Zelensky welcomed the decision but warned deliveries could begin "only in a few years," while Ukraine needs the missiles this winter to defend its energy infrastructure. He urged the US and partners to provide interceptors from existing stockpiles and replenish them later through the new contracts.
Zelensky also said securing more F-16 fighter jets and their 20-mm ammunition is vital, with the jets used against waves of jet-powered drones attacking targets in Ukraine.