Zelenskyy expects stronger US support as Democrats seize Congress
The Ukrainian president says a Democratic-led legislature will increase pressure on Russia, while European leaders weigh whether the shift will change Washington's approach to the war.
By Camila Herrera ·
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Wednesday that he expects the new US Congress to provide greater assistance to Kyiv. His comments followed the midterm elections in which voters gave the Democratic Party control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Zelenskyy told German broadcaster ZDF that Democrats have articulated a clear stance on supporting Ukraine and renewing the connection between the United States and Europe. He argued that this shift could create a balance of power that leads to more support for Ukraine. He noted that strong financial backing and military assistance from Congress would have a positive impact on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The statement marks a pivot in relations following a rocky period under President Donald Trump. In February 2025, Trump accused Zelenskyy of being ungrateful during an Oval Office meeting. Since then, Trump has made moves favorable to Russia, including a deal to import Russian diesel. Last month, he waived sanctions that Congress had approved as part of Ukraine support legislation. Ukraine also accused Washington of delaying deliveries of interceptor missiles.
European leaders offered mixed reactions to the election results. Kaja Kallas, the EU’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 United States are stronger together and that joint pressure could force Moscow to end the war.
In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed skepticism. He noted that Trump had largely governed by bypassing Congress over the last two years and questioned why that would change now. Conversely, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called the Democratic victory a clear opportunity for a fresh initiative to end wars in Ukraine and Iran. He said he was optimistic that aid to Ukraine, which has been slashed under Trump, would receive more discussion from US lawmakers of both parties.
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger cautioned that Europe’s security should not depend on US state voting patterns. She said Austria is strengthening its own defense capability and competitiveness. In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia hoped Trump would continue his peacemaking efforts regardless of the election result.
Diplomatic efforts are accelerating ahead of the new congressional session. Democratic aides said helping Kyiv would be a priority when the party takes control of the agenda in January. Meanwhile, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff announced that Washington would bring Ukrainian and Russian delegations together in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11. Zelenskyy confirmed he has had detailed conversations with Witkoff and Jared Kushner ahead of the meeting. He wrote on X that negotiations must move forward at full throttle to end the war as quickly as possible.
