Zelenskyy eyes bipartisan US backing amid Ukraine's Patriot shortage crisis
Ukrainian president stresses the need to strengthen bipartisan backing and secure delayed US assistance amid missile shortages.
Quick Look
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the urgent need to adapt to US political shifts, secure bipartisan backing, recover billions in promised aid, and address critical Patriot missile shortages ahead of winter.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Ukraine relies heavily on Western military and financial aid to defend against Russian attacks, particularly for air defence.
Ukraine must adapt to the changing political landscape in the United States and move quickly to secure continued American support, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said, stressing the need to strengthen bipartisan backing for Kyiv.
According to Reuters, in an interview with Ukrainian television channel TSN broadcast on Thursday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine must adjust its approach to Washington following the US midterm elections, in which Democrats gained control of Congress, and work to strengthen support across party lines.
"Ukraine has to move forward towards the new political infrastructure in the United States of America," Zelenskyy said. "We have to move quickly. Without doubt, we have to unite the bipartisan support that we get. Understanding the power shifts, we should build up our dialogue the right way. I believe we have the chance to increase support," he added.
Zelenskyy also said Ukraine was seeking to recover around $16 billion in US assistance that had previously been promised but not delivered, stressing the need to secure additional support amid the changing political environment in Washington.
Turning to Ukraine's immediate military requirements, Zelenskyy identified securing additional missiles for the US-made Patriot air defence system as the country's top priority, warning that failure to address the shortage could have serious consequences for its defences against Russian attacks.
"If we don't solve the Patriot problem, it will get very tough for us," Zelenskyy said. "This issue could be solved by Europe, some countries outside Europe and, of course, the United States of America. This is the No 1 priority," he added.
The United States has approved the sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missiles to Ukraine in a deal estimated at $2.1 billion. However, deliveries are expected only in the early 2030s, leaving Kyiv facing an immediate shortage of interceptors.
Zelenskyy also said Ukraine was working to ensure it had enough operational F-16 fighter jets over the next five to six months as it prepares for another winter of Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Ukraine will deploy operational F-16 fighter jets over the next five to six months.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- How will Congress respond to Zelenskyy's push for aid?
- Can European nations bridge the immediate Patriot interceptor gap?
