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Zelenskyy Hopes Democratic Congress Boosts US Aid for Ukraine — AI-generated representative image: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a television interview about US aid for Ukraine.

Editorial Team

Ukrainian leader sees renewed US support as European officials push stronger pressure on Russia after midterms

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed hope that Democratic gains in the United States midterm elections will bring more assistance to Kyiv, as European officials urged the new Congress to intensify pressure on Russia to end Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War II.

Zelenskyy's comments on Wednesday followed a vote in which American voters handed control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives to the Democratic Party, rebuking President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.

The midterm outcome carries major implications for the war in Ukraine, where the scale of US military and financial support has shifted under Trump. Zelenskyy and several European leaders now see a potential opening to restore aid levels and strengthen the Western alliance against Moscow.

At the same time, diplomatic efforts are accelerating, with Washington planning to bring Ukrainian and Russian delegations together in Abu Dhabi in the coming days.

Reaction to the Midterm Results

In an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, Zelenskyy said the Democratic gains could work to Ukraine's advantage. He noted gratitude toward Republicans while emphasizing that Democrats speak clearly about supporting and assisting Ukraine, and about renewing the connection between the United States and Europe.

Zelenskyy added that strong congressional backing for financial or military assistance could influence Russian President Vladimir Putin. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she hoped the new Congress would continue supporting Ukraine and putting more pressure on Russia, while Democratic aides have indicated that helping Kyiv would be a priority when the party takes control of the congressional agenda in January.

Strained Relations and Shifting US Policy

Zelenskyy has worked to repair a rocky relationship with Trump since an Oval Office meeting in February 2025, when the US president accused his Ukrainian counterpart of being ungrateful for Washington's aid. In recent weeks, Trump has made several moves favorable to Russia, including a deal to import Russian diesel and a waiver of sanctions on Russia that Congress had overwhelmingly approved as part of legislation supporting Ukraine.

Ukraine has also accused Washington of delaying deliveries of interceptor missiles. Against this backdrop, European leaders were divided on whether the Democratic victory would change Trump's course, with some pointing to his record of governing by bypassing Congress.

European and Russian Reactions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed skepticism that Trump would change direction despite the Democrats' sweeping victory, noting that Trump has largely governed by bypassing Congress over the past two years. His foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, was more hopeful, describing the Democratic victory as a new opportunity to launch a fresh initiative to end the wars in Ukraine and Iran, and expressing optimism that aid to Ukraine would receive more discussion from lawmakers of both parties.

Austria's foreign minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, cautioned that European security should not depend on American elections, urging stronger European defense capability and competitiveness. In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia hoped Trump would continue his peacemaking efforts regardless of the election result.

Diplomacy Moves Forward

Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington would bring Ukrainian and Russian delegations together in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11 to discuss ending the war and security arrangements for Ukraine. Zelenskyy said he has held detailed conversations with Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, ahead of the meeting.

Zelenskyy wrote that negotiations must move forward at full throttle to end the war as quickly as possible and that Ukraine is ready to take the necessary steps.

Zelenskyy Hopes Abu Dhabi Talks Open Path to Putin Meeting

US-mediated Ukraine-Russia negotiations could lead to a trilateral presidential summit, the Ukrainian leader says.

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