Zelensky: Ukraine may receive increased US assistance following ‘new political infrastructure’

The chances have increased for Ukraine to receive additional U.S. assistance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday, reacting to Democrats’ overwhelming victories in the midterm elections.

Ukraine needs to consolidate bipartisan support in the U.S. and “move toward” the new political infrastructure, he added in an interview with a Ukrainian news channel posted on the social platform X .

Zelensky said at least $16 billion in assistance was withheld by the U.S. and needs to be disbursed, and he said Ukraine needs a “package” from the U.S. to fortify itself in the face of ongoing Russian attacks. It was not immediately clear what funding Zelensky was referring to.

“We are grateful for everything that has been provided, but at the very least, Ukraine must fight for these funds,” he said.

Zelensky made the remarks on the sidelines of the Ibero-American Summit in Spain, where he said he secured a defense package from Spain worth $487 million. Germany has provided “a winter support package,” as Ukraine looks to build energy resilience against Russian attacks on its heating and electricity infrastructure.

The Ukrainian leader said he is also working to accelerate deliveries of missiles for Patriot air defense systems, other air-defense missiles and assistance for F-16 fighter jets.

Zelensky also said he had conversations with President Trump’s top envoys for negotiations, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, ahead of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. scheduled in Abu Dhabi next week.

“The groundwork has been laid. It is important that everything is clear on paper. That there is an understanding of what the outcome will be,” Zelensky said in the interview.

“If Russia starts again, what will be done, by whom, with what means, and when? The answers should be clear first and foremost to us, Ukrainians. It is important for our society to know this.”

Republicans and Democrats who are supportive of Ukraine have raised the possibility of an aid package for the country over the next few weeks, with many of Kyiv’s most ardent GOP backers leaving Congress in January. Passing legislation before January could provide a majority to override a veto from Trump.

Retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) told CBS News that additional assistance for Ukraine is a priority. And retiring Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) has threatened to block the president’s agenda if additional Ukraine funding is not advanced. Democrats have pushed back on Trump’s attempt to import Russian diesel in violation of U.S. law.

Tankers carrying Russian diesel bound for the U.S. changed course following a letter from New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D) warning port authorities they could face criminal or federal charges for unloading the oil, The Associated Press reported .

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), who lost his reelection race, had introduced legislation to nullify a waiver allowing the U.S. to import Russian diesel, enforce the existing ban and protect U.S. intelligence support for Ukraine, which has, at times, been halted under the Trump administration.

Still, a Democratic majority in both the House and Senate next Congress can earmark support for Ukraine in spending legislation. They are likely to prioritize shoring up Republican support for any spending bills to guard against a Trump veto during his lame-duck session.