Zelensky Expects Positive Shift in US Support for Ukraine After Democrats' Midterm Win

In brief

• President Zelensky expects the Democratic midterm win to strengthen US support for Ukraine.
• He says Ukraine has bipartisan backing and that Democrats are clear about aid to Kyiv.
• Zelensky argues stronger US aid could push Putin to reconsider continuing the war.
• Democrats have regained control of both chambers of Congress, with changes taking effect next year.

Zelensky sees bipartisan backing as a foundation

President Volodymyr Zelensky said he expects the Democratic Party's win in the US congressional midterm elections to increase assistance to Ukraine. He told the German channel ZDF that Ukraine enjoys support from both major American parties. He said he is grateful to Republicans, but that Democrats have been especially clear in backing Kyiv and providing aid (Перемога демократів у США: Зеленський пояснив, що це означає для Києва – TSN) (Зеленський сподівається на посилення допомоги Україні після перемоги демократів у США – Espreso).

Hopes for renewed transatlantic ties

Zelensky also expressed hope that closer links between the United States and Europe will be restored, saying these ties have weakened somewhat in recent years. Without transatlantic unity, he argued, it would be much harder to stand up to the Kremlin (Зеленський сподівається на посилення допомоги Україні після перемоги демократів у США – Українська правда).

Pressure on Putin

Zelensky argued that if Democrats strengthen their position in Congress and push for large-scale aid to Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin would have reason to reconsider ending the war. He said that if support grows, Putin would have to weigh whether continuing the fighting still makes sense (Зеленский заявил, что надеется на усиление помощи Украине со стороны США после победы демократов на выборах – NV) (Зеленський очікує позитивних зрушень у підтримці України після виборів у США – Європейська правда).

Possible next steps in Congress

Reuters, citing sources, reported that the Democrats could bring a new aid package for Ukraine to a vote. Democratic aides have described support for Kyiv as one of their priorities. They may also try to block Donald Trump's plans to return Russian diesel fuel to the global market.

Context of the election

Democrats have regained control of both chambers of Congress after the midterm vote, though some races remain closely contested. The change takes effect next year, when the new Congress begins its work.

Read also

• Democratic Congressional Win Could Restore US Military Aid to Ukraine, Reuters Reports