Zelensky calls for adaptation to new US political reality: Patriots are a priority

Ukraine must adapt to new political changes in the United States to deepen communication with Washington and secure the military aid it needs, particularly to defend against Russian air attacks, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

In an interview with Ukrainian television channel TSN, broadcast on Thursday, he stressed that Kyiv must build stronger ties with both major American parties while adapting to developments in US politics.

“Ukraine must move forward in line with the new political structure in the United States. We must act quickly and consolidate the bipartisan support we have,” Zelensky said.

The president called for stronger dialogue with Washington with the aim of increasing American aid. He also said that around $16 billion in aid must be recovered, which, according to him, the United States had promised but had not delivered.

Zelensky described air defense as Ukraine’s top priority as the war with Russia and attacks on cities and critical infrastructure continue. He singled out the need to secure missiles for the American Patriot systems.

“If we do not resolve the Patriot issue, we will face a very difficult situation. Europe, some countries outside Europe and, of course, the United States can step in. This is the number one priority,” he said.

The US State Department announced last week that it had approved the sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine, at an estimated cost of $2.1 billion. Delivery is not expected before the early 2030s.

The president said he was working to ensure that Ukraine has a sufficient number of operational F-16 fighter jets over the next five to six months. He also warned that Russian attacks on the energy sector were pushing the country toward another difficult winter, with the capital, Kyiv, facing the most serious situation.

In Brussels, representatives of the European Union, NATO and the United States are examining proposals for security guarantees that would take effect after the conflict ends. According to Zelensky, the talks have yielded some progress.

US envoy Jared Kushner described the discussions as productive and substantive. Meanwhile, US-mediated talks between Ukraine and Russia aimed at resolving the conflict are expected to resume next week in Abu Dhabi.

Zelensky was in Spain, where he attended an Ibero-American summit, as he seeks to maintain and strengthen relations with Donald Trump’s administration. Relations had become strained following the February 2025 meeting in the Oval Office, where the American side criticized the Ukrainian president for a lack of gratitude for Washington’s aid.