Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Wednesday that he hopes the recent Democratic gains in the United States midterm elections will result in greater assistance for Kyiv. His comments come as European officials urge the newly elected US Congress to intensify pressure on Russia to end what is considered the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II. The political shift occurred after American voters rejected President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, transferring control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives to the Democrats.
In an interview with the German broadcaster ZDF, Zelenskyy suggested that the change in congressional leadership could benefit Ukraine. He acknowledged the support of Republicans but noted that Democrats have been more vocal about their commitment to the country. "I am also grateful to the Republicans, but the Democrats speak very clearly about supporting Ukraine and providing assistance to Ukraine," Zelenskyy said. He added that the Democrats also emphasize renewing the connection between the United States and Europe, creating hope for a new balance of power and increased support.
Zelenskyy argued that stronger US aid could influence Russian President Vladimir Putin. He told ZDF that if the Congress speaks of strong financial support or military assistance, similar to what Europe is currently doing, it would be a positive development with an impact on Putin. This sentiment follows a period of strained relations between Kyiv and Washington, which Zelenskyy has worked to repair since a February 2025 Oval Office meeting where Trump accused him of being ungrateful for US aid.
In recent weeks, the Trump administration has made several moves viewed as favorable to Russia. These include a deal to import Russian diesel and a waiver of sanctions on Russia that Congress had previously approved as part of Ukraine support legislation. Ukraine has also accused Washington of delaying deliveries of interceptor missiles, adding to the diplomatic friction between the two nations.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, expressed hope that the new Congress would continue supporting Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia. She emphasized that Europe and the US are much stronger together and hoped that joint pressure would force Moscow to end the war. However, reactions among German leaders were divided. Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed skepticism that Trump would change his governing style, noting that he has largely bypassed Congress in the past two years. "Quite frankly, over the last two years, Trump has largely governed by bypassing Congress. Why should that be any different now?" Merz asked in Berlin.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul offered a more optimistic view, describing the Democratic victory as a clear opportunity for a fresh initiative to end the wars in Ukraine and Iran. He stated that he was optimistic that aid to Ukraine, which has been reduced under the Trump administration, would receive more discussion from US lawmakers of both parties.
Other European leaders cautioned that Washington’s foreign policy might not change quickly, as Trump remains in office for two more years. The US president has recently criticized European leaders, imposed tariffs, threatened to exit NATO, and expressed interest in taking over Greenland. Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger argued that Europe’s security should not depend on US voting patterns, leading to efforts to strengthen local defense capabilities and competitiveness.
In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia hoped Trump would continue his peacemaking efforts regardless of the election results. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are accelerating. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy, announced that Washington will bring Ukrainian and Russian delegations together in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11 to discuss ending the war and security arrangements.
Zelenskyy confirmed on Wednesday that he has had detailed conversations with Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, ahead of the upcoming meeting. He wrote on the social media platform X that negotiations must move forward at full throttle to end the war as quickly as possible, stating that Ukraine is ready to take the necessary steps.
