Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed hope that the Democrats’ gains in the US midterm elections will lead to increased American support for Ukraine as it continues its war against Russia.
In an interview with a German broadcaster, Zelenskyy stated that the Democrats’ control of both chambers of Congress could create opportunities for additional military and financial assistance to Kyiv. “I am also grateful to the Republicans, but the Democrats speak very clearly about supporting Ukraine and providing assistance to Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.
He also pointed to Democratic calls for stronger relations between Washington and European governments, saying closer cooperation could improve Ukraine’s position.
“They speak about renewing the connection between the United States and Europe… Therefore, there is hope that a balance of power will emerge and that we will receive more support.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy argued that increased American assistance could also influence Russian President Vladimir Putin’s calculations and strengthen pressure on Moscow to end the war. “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,” he said.
The Democratic Party has secured 240 seats in the House of Representatives and 54 in the Senate, giving it control of both chambers after the Republican Party’s electoral losses.
The Ukrainian President’s remarks come amid efforts to stabilise Kyiv’s relationship with the Trump administration following tensions between the two leaders.
Their relationship deteriorated after an Oval Office meeting in February 2025, during which Trump accused Zelenskyy of being “ungrateful” for American assistance.
In recent weeks, Trump has taken several steps that have raised concerns in Kyiv about Washington’s approach to the conflict, including a reported agreement involving the import of Russian diesel.
Ukraine has also accused the United States of delaying deliveries of interceptor missiles needed to defend against Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy’s remarks suggest that Kyiv is looking to the new congressional balance as a possible source of renewed support, particularly as uncertainty persists over the Trump administration’s policy towards Moscow and Ukraine.
EU Calls For Continued Support And Pressure on Russia
European Union foreign Policy Chief, Kaja Kallas also expressed hope that the incoming US Congress would maintain assistance to Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia.
She said that the transatlantic partners would be in a stronger position if they continued working together to support Kyiv and press Moscow to end the war.
“I hope that the new Congress will continue supporting Ukraine and also putting more pressure on Russia. Europe as well as US, we are much stronger together.”
Kaja Kallas
Kallas’s remarks reflect European concerns about maintaining a coordinated approach to the conflict, particularly as Ukraine continues to depend on military, financial and diplomatic support from its international partners.
German Leaders Differ Over Impact of Election
In Germany, political leaders expressed different views about whether the Democratic victories would significantly alter Washington’s policy towards Ukraine.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz questioned whether the election outcome would lead Trump to change his approach, arguing that the US president had frequently governed without relying on Congress. “Quite frankly, over the last two years, Trump has largely governed by bypassing Congress. Why should that be any different now?” Merz said at an event in Berlin on Wednesday.
His remarks reflected doubts about the extent to which Democratic control of Congress could influence the president’s foreign policy decisions.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, however, viewed the election result as a potential opening for renewed diplomatic efforts.
He described the Democratic victory as “very clear” and said it could create “a new opportunity to launch a fresh initiative” to end the wars in Ukraine and Iran.
Wadephul also expressed optimism that military assistance to Ukraine, which has been reduced under Trump, would receive greater attention from lawmakers in both parties.
He said that he was “quite optimistic” that the issue of aid to Kyiv would receive “more discussion” in Congress.
Moscow Wants Trump To Continue Peace Efforts
In Moscow, the Kremlin said that it hoped Trump would continue pursuing efforts to end the war regardless of the changes in the US Congress.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia expected the American President to maintain his peacemaking efforts following the election results.
His comments came as Ukrainian and European officials expressed hope that the new congressional balance could strengthen pressure on Moscow.
The contrasting reactions highlight the uncertainty surrounding the future direction of US policy towards the war. While Zelenskyy and European officials see the Democratic gains as a possible opportunity for increased support, Merz questioned whether the results would significantly constrain Trump’s approach.
For Ukraine, the central concern remains whether Washington will provide the military and financial assistance Kyiv says it needs to sustain its defence against Russia.
