Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with TSN television channel that Kyiv has not received $16 billion in American aid, which, according to him, was stipulated by previous agreements between the two countries. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine. The statement came amid preparations for a new round of negotiations between Ukraine and the United States and sparked wide resonance in Ukrainian and foreign media.
"Let no one in the US take offense"
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine must independently seek solutions and secure new defense aid packages, regardless of how these demands are perceived abroad. "Ukraine must fight, let no one in the United States of America take offense," the head of state emphasized. He added that the country is obliged to fight for the promised resources and funds that were not provided, and to raise the issue of unfulfilled past agreements during every new round of negotiations with Washington.
A call for self-reliance in wartime
Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine has no other choice but to strengthen its own defense capabilities while the military conflict continues. According to him, waiting for external assistance should not become an excuse for passivity: Kyiv is obliged to work in parallel on increasing its own military potential and lobbying for additional support packages from American partners. The president noted that the issue of the 16 billion should become one of the priorities on the agenda of upcoming contacts with Washington.
Context: Negotiations in Abu Dhabi
Zelenskyy's statement came against the backdrop of active diplomatic preparations. The day before, the head of state held telephone negotiations with US special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The main topic of the conversation was preparations for the upcoming meeting in Abu Dhabi, where the parameters of further American support for Ukraine are expected to be discussed. According to Ukrainian sources, Zelenskyy focused primarily on coordinating positions ahead of this meeting.
Expectations from US midterm elections
Separately, Zelenskyy expressed hope that the victory of the Democratic Party in the US midterm congressional elections would allow Kyiv to receive a larger volume of financial support and military supplies from American partners. The president links the prospects of expanded aid with a change in the configuration of power in Washington and expects that the new composition of the legislature will be more inclined to continue and increase defense programs for Ukraine.
Position of European partners
Zelenskyy also reported that European leaders are advising the Ukrainian leadership not to apologize for demands regarding military aid. According to him, European colleagues emphasize that this is a vital task of defending the country, and public demands made to Washington should not be accompanied by an apologetic tone. This, in the president's assessment, forms a unified front of pressure on the US by European allies.
