Zelensky says Ukraine awaits 16 billion dollars in blocked US aid

Unspent US aid

President Volodymyr Zelensky told TSN on Nov. 5 that Ukraine has yet to receive $16 billion in U.S. assistance that was previously agreed upon but later blocked. This funding remains unavailable following the 2024 elections. When the Trump administration and Republicans blocked assistance packages formed under President Biden, the money was halted. Zelensky expects the Democratic Party victory in the recent U.S. midterm elections to provide "increased chances" for securing these funds. With Democrats set to control the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in 2027, Zelensky said Ukraine needs to move towards a new political infrastructure in the United States of America. He stated that Ukraine must consolidate bipartisan support and build the right dialogue while they analyze shifting power dynamics. Although Zelensky did not specify which agreements the funds were tied to or what they were intended for, he insisted that Ukraine must fight for these funds.

Air defense priorities

The top priority for Kyiv is to secure more Patriot missiles for air defense systems that are currently depleted. Russian attacks caused high civilian death rates in early October, according to the United Nations. While the U.S. State Department approved a $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot interceptor missiles on Oct. 30, Zelensky warned that deliveries could begin "only in a few years." This delay is a failure for Ukraine’s immediate defense, because the country needs the missiles this winter to defend its energy infrastructure against Russian attacks. Zelensky suggested the Patriot issue could be solved by Europe, countries outside Europe, or the United States. He urged the U.S. and its partners to provide interceptors from existing stockpiles and replenish them later through the new contracts. NATO’s top military commander said on Oct. 30 that deliveries of American-made weapons purchased by European allies were continuing without delays. Beyond the Patriot issue, the need for more F-16 fighter jets and 20-mm ammunition remains necessary for Ukrainian security. These jets allow Ukrainian forces to defend against waves of jet-powered drones used by Moscow to attack targets in Ukraine.