"Putin will think twice then": Zelenskyy assesses the implications of the US election for Ukraine
A Democratic Party victory in the U.S. congressional elections could help strengthen Washington’s support for Kyiv. Increased military and financial aid could put pressure on the Kremlin and bring peace negotiations closer.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope in an interview with ZDF that the Democrats’ takeover of both chambers of Congress next year would be a positive development for Ukraine.
Aid to Ukraine and Pressure on the Kremlin
The head of state emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue with representatives of both major U.S. political parties, while noting the Democrats’ clear rhetoric.
“We have bipartisan support – support from both parties. I am also grateful to the Republicans, but the Democrats are very clear in their statements of support for Ukraine and in providing aid to the country,”
said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The president paid special attention to the need to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Europe, which “have weakened somewhat in recent years.” Zelenskyy acknowledged that without these ties, it is difficult to effectively counter Russia’s aggression.
According to the Ukrainian leader, the determination of U.S. lawmakers to scale up aid to Ukraine could force Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to reconsider his intentions.
If Congress now begins to discuss substantial financial support or military aid – as Europe is currently doing and demonstrating – this will be a positive factor that will influence Putin. And Putin will then consider whether it makes sense to continue the fight, to continue the war, if support is growing,
– Zelenskyy said, adding that this would bring negotiations closer and make peace more achievable.
A Shift in the Balance of Power in Washington
According to preliminary results of the midterm elections, President Donald Trump’s Republican Party has lost its majority in both chambers of the U.S. Congress. President Donald Trump acknowledged the election results and expressed his willingness to cooperate with the Democratic majority.
It is worth noting that the shift in the balance of power on Capitol Hill will allow Democrats to more frequently introduce pro-Ukrainian bills and keep the White House’s foreign policy decisions under control. However, experts note that You shouldn't expect an automatic increase in benefits, as final decisions will depend on a complex domestic political struggle.