Politics · United States · 2 hrs ago
Zelenskyy hopes Democratic Congress will increase US support for Ukraine
Democrats won control of both chambers of the US Congress in the midterm elections, while Donald Trump remains president.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the result could bring more US support for Ukraine, which is fighting Russia’s war.
Trump has cut aid to Ukraine and made moves favourable to Russia, including waiving sanctions Congress had approved.
Zelenskyy said stronger financial or military support could put pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief also urged Congress to increase pressure on Russia, saying Europe and the US are stronger together.
But some European leaders doubt the election will quickly change US policy, since Trump has often governed without Congress.
Democrats could scrutinise US support for Kyiv and White House dealings with Moscow, but whether that leads to a policy shift remains uncertain.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Democratic gains in the US midterm elections could bring more support for Ukraine.
Voters gave Democrats control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, defeating President Donald Trump’s Republican Party.
Zelenskyy said Democrats speak clearly about supporting Ukraine and that more US financial or military assistance could affect Russian President Vladimir Putin.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged the new Congress to keep supporting Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia.
European leaders differed over whether the election results would change US policy, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressing scepticism.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US voters and the incoming Democratic-majority Congress.
- What
- Zelenskyy expressed hope that Democratic control of Congress would bring more US assistance for Ukraine.
- When
- Wednesday, after the US midterm elections. The articles were published on November 5, 2026.
- Where
- The United States; Zelenskyy made his comments in an interview with German broadcaster ZDF.
- Why
- Zelenskyy said Democrats clearly support Ukraine and that stronger US financial or military assistance could put pressure on Putin.
Supporters of stronger US backing for Ukraine
Sceptics about a change in US policy
Effect of Democratic gains
Supporters of stronger US backing for Ukraine
Zelenskyy said the results created hope for more US support. Kaja Kallas urged Congress to continue backing Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia.
Sceptics about a change in US policy
Friedrich Merz doubted Trump would change course, saying he had largely governed by bypassing Congress.
Prospects for pressure on Russia
Supporters of stronger US backing for Ukraine
Zelenskyy said stronger US financial or military assistance could affect Putin, and Kallas said joint European and US pressure could help end the war.
Sceptics about a change in US policy
Beate Meinl-Reisinger said European security and prosperity should not depend on how voters in US states vote.
Trump accused Zelenskyy of being “ungrateful” for Washington’s aid during an Oval Office meeting.
Trump waived sanctions on Russia that Congress had approved as part of legislation supporting Ukraine.
US voters gave Democrats control of both the Senate and the House, and Zelenskyy voiced hope that this could help Ukraine.
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev was expected in Washington to discuss humanitarian issues with Ukrainian representatives.
- US Senate
- Democrats won control
- US House of Representatives
- Democrats won control
- Zelenskyy interview
- German broadcaster ZDF
- EU foreign policy chief
- Kaja Kallas
- Russian envoy
- Kirill Dmitriev
3 sources
What people are saying
I am also grateful to the Republicans, but the Democrats speak very clearly about supporting Ukraine and providing assistance to Ukraine
If Congress now speaks of strong financial support or military assistance, as Europe is doing and demonstrating today, then that will be something positive that will have an impact on Putin
continue supporting Ukraine and also putting more pressure on Russia
Quite frankly, over the last two years, Trump has largely governed by bypassing Congress. Why should that be any different now?