Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky has voiced hope that the Democrats’ victories in the medium-term elections in the United States will bring more help to Kiev. Meanwhile, European officials have called on the new US Congress to increase pressure on Russia to end the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II.
Zelensky’s statements, made Wednesday, came after American voters punished President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, surpassing the control of both of Congress’s chambers: The Senate and the House of Representatives.
In an interview for the German broadcaster ZDF, Zelensky said that the democratic progress may be in favour of Ukraine, Telegrafi broadcast.
I am also grateful to the republics, but the Democrats speak very clearly of support and assistance to Ukraine. They talk about renewed ties between the United States and Europe. Therefore, there is hope that a balance of forces will be established and that we will get more support, he said.
According to Ukrainian President Vladimir Putin, increasing American aid can also affect Russian President Vladimir Putin.
If Congress now expresses readiness for strong financial support or military assistance, as Europe is acting and witnessing today, it would be positive and influence Putin, Zelensky told ZDF.
Since the tense meeting at the Oval Office in February 2025, during which Trump accused Ukrainian counterpart of being unthankful for American aid, Zelensky has made efforts to improve relations with the American president.
In recent weeks, however, Trump has taken several steps that are considered in favour of Russia, including an agreement on importing Russian diesel oil. Last month, it lifted sanctions against Russia, which Congress had overwhelmingly approved as part of Ukraine’s support legislation.
Ukraine has also accused Washington of delaying shipments of interceptive missiles.
The European Union’s top foreign policy representative, Kaya Kallas, said she hopes the new Congress will continue supporting Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia.
Europe and the United States are much stronger when they work together, Kallas said, expressing confidence that common pressure could force Moscow to end the war.
In Germany, political leaders displayed different attitudes regarding the possibility of changing American politics.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated sceptical that the Democrats’ victory would force Trump to change course.
Honestly, over the past two years, Trump has governed mainly by bypassing Congress. Why should it be different now?
Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadefhul was more optimistic. He said the clear victory of the Democrats could create a new opportunity to launch a new initiative to end wars in Ukraine and Iran.
Wadephul added that he is quite optimistic that the aid to Ukraine, which has been reduced during the Trump administration, will be further discussed by American lawmakers of both parties.
However, other European officials warned that Washington’s foreign policy is not expected to change soon, as Trump will remain at the White House for another two years.
The American president has repeatedly criticised European leaders, shaken their economies with commercial tariffs, threatened to withdraw the US from NATO, and expressed its intention to take control of Greenland, Denmark’s autonomous territory.
Austria’s Foreign Minister, Beate Meinl-Reissinger, said the security and welfare of her country and Europe should not depend on the election results in American states such as Kansas and Iowa.
Therefore we are strengthening our defence capacities and competitiveness, she said.
In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia hopes Trumpi will continue its peace efforts, despite the election outcome.
Meanwhile, assistant Democrats have told American media that support for Kiev will be one of the party’s priorities when it takes over the agenda of Congress in January.
However, diplomatic developments are moving faster. Trump’s envoy, Steve Whitoff, announced that Ukrainian and Russian delegations will meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10th and 11th to discuss the end of the war and security arrangements for Ukraine.
Zelensky said on Wednesday that he had conducted detailed conversations with Witkoff and Jared Kouchner, Trump’s son-in-law, on the eve of the meeting.
Negotiations should move at full pace, so this war can be completed as soon as possible. Ukraine is willing to take the necessary steps, he wrote on the social X network. /Telegraphy/