Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is looking to the Democrats’ sweeping victory in the US midterm elections for a possible change in Washington’s approach to the war with Russia, hoping a new congressional balance will translate into stronger military assistance and financial backing for Kyiv.
The Ukrainian leader said the election outcome could help restore a more predictable relationship between the United States and Europe, while increasing pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to reconsider his approach to the conflict.
The Democrats are expected to take control of both chambers of Congress in January, giving them greater influence over legislation, government spending and congressional oversight. For Ukraine, the shift offers a potential opening after months of uncertainty over US support under President Donald Trump.
Zelenskiy, speaking to Germany’s ZDF television, said Democrats had been more explicit about their commitment to helping Ukraine than Republicans.
“I am also grateful to the Republicans, but the Democrats speak very clearly about supporting Ukraine and providing assistance to Ukraine,” he said in remarks released by the broadcaster ahead of the interview.
The Ukrainian president added that Democrats had also spoken about renewing ties between Washington and European capitals.
“Therefore, there is hope that a balance of power will emerge and that we will receive more support,” he said.
Congressional shift could strengthen Kyiv’s negotiating position
The election has given Ukraine a potential source of leverage at a time when its relationship with the Trump administration has been marked by uncertainty over military assistance, sanctions against Russia and the future of US-led diplomacy.
Zelenskiy said stronger congressional support for Ukraine could send a direct signal to Moscow.
“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,” ZDF quoted him as saying.
The Ukrainian president’s comments suggest Kyiv sees the incoming Congress not merely as a source of additional funding, but as a potential counterweight to the administration’s approach to the war.
However, the Democrats’ victory does not guarantee a resumption of military assistance on the scale Ukraine received under previous US administrations. Congressional control could influence spending and oversight, but Trump retains executive authority over foreign policy and can resist legislative efforts to redirect his administration’s priorities.
The change in Washington’s political balance therefore offers Ukraine an opportunity rather than a confirmed policy reversal.
Zelenskiy seeks to repair ties as Trump moves closer to Moscow
Zelenskiy has spent considerable political effort trying to stabilise relations with Trump, particularly after their contentious meeting in the Oval Office in February 2025.
During that encounter, the Ukrainian president was accused of being ungrateful for American assistance, exposing the fragility of Kyiv’s relationship with its most important military partner.
The relationship has remained difficult as Trump has pursued initiatives that Kyiv views as favourable to Russia.
In recent weeks, the US president has moved to import Russian diesel and ease sanctions on Moscow, raising concerns in Ukraine that Washington could reduce economic pressure on Putin even as the war continues.
The Ukrainian government has nevertheless maintained contact with Trump’s representatives, seeking to preserve a role for Washington in negotiations over the conflict.
The election result could complicate the president’s ability to pursue his preferred policies without congressional resistance, although it remains unclear how far Democrats will be able to influence decisions on sanctions, military assistance and negotiations.
For Kyiv, the central question is whether the new congressional majority can turn its stated support into concrete measures that strengthen Ukraine’s position on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.
Abu Dhabi talks put US policy under immediate scrutiny
The political shift in Washington comes as diplomatic efforts to end the war are expected to resume.
US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff said American officials would bring together delegations from Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11.
The discussions are expected to address ending the war, post-war security arrangements and de-escalation. The talks would resume after a gap of several months in US-led trilateral diplomacy.
The timing places the incoming congressional majority’s position on Ukraine in sharper focus. Kyiv is seeking stronger security guarantees and continued military assistance, while Washington is attempting to bring the two sides into negotiations.
Zelenskiy’s comments indicate that Ukraine hopes the election outcome will strengthen its diplomatic position before those discussions begin.
But the immediate challenge remains whether the United States can maintain a consistent approach to the conflict while its domestic political landscape changes.
A stronger congressional commitment to Ukraine could increase pressure on Moscow. Yet the prospect of greater assistance remains uncertain until political support translates into funding, weapons and policy decisions.
Starlink remains a critical vulnerability for Ukraine
Zelenskiy also addressed Ukraine’s reliance on Starlink, the satellite internet system operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which has played a significant role in maintaining communications during the war.
He expressed gratitude for the connectivity provided by the company, particularly during the early stages of Russia’s invasion, but criticised Musk’s position on the conflict.
“We are grateful to SpaceX for providing us with connectivity. That was very helpful at the beginning of the war,” Zelenskiy said.
“But we must be very clear about this: we certainly do not like his position on this war.”
The Ukrainian president said Starlink and its military-grade version, Starshield, had returned to operating levels seen before restrictions were introduced. The systems have been used for Ukrainian drone attack and air defence missions.
Trump denied involvement in the decision concerning the service slowdown.
The episode highlights a broader strategic concern for Kyiv: Ukraine’s military operations remain dependent on technology and services controlled by US companies, leaving critical capabilities vulnerable to decisions made outside the Ukrainian government.
The midterm outcome may offer Ukraine a more favourable political environment in Washington, but it does not eliminate those operational dependencies.