Zelenskyy sees Democratic midterm gains as chance for more US aid to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the Democratic Party's gains in the United States midterm elections could improve prospects for more support for Kyiv. His comments came as European officials urged the new US Congress to increase pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine. The remarks were made on Wednesday in an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, shortly after American voters handed control of both chambers of Congress to the Democrats.

Zelenskyy said the election result could work to Ukraine's advantage. He said he was grateful to Republicans as well, but argued that Democrats had been clearer in their support for Ukraine and in their calls to renew ties between the United States and Europe. He added that he hoped a new balance of power would emerge in Washington and lead to more support for Kyiv.

Zelenskyy also linked any new US financial or military assistance to pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian leader said stronger backing from Congress could have an effect on Moscow. He told ZDF that if Congress speaks of strong financial support or military assistance, alongside the approach being shown by Europe, that would be positive and could influence Putin.

The comments come as Ukraine continues to seek sustained Western military and financial aid after more than four years of war. They also reflect Kyiv's concern that shifts in Washington could affect the pace and scale of future assistance. The issue matters because the United States remains one of Ukraine's most important military and financial backers.

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Any change in congressional control can affect funding decisions, sanctions policy and the broader political message sent to Moscow. European officials have also been pressing for continued transatlantic coordination, arguing that joint pressure is more likely to force Russia toward ending the conflict. The war has become Europe's deadliest since World War II, giving the debate added strategic weight.

The interview also highlighted the strained relationship between Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy has been trying to repair ties after an Oval Office meeting in February 2025, when Trump accused him of being ungrateful for Washington's aid. In recent weeks, Trump has taken steps seen as favourable to Russia, including a deal to import Russian diesel and a decision to waive sanctions on Russia that Congress had approved in legislation supporting Ukraine.

Ukraine has also accused Washington of delaying deliveries of interceptor missiles. Kaja Kallas, the European Union's foreign policy chief, said she hoped the new Congress would continue supporting Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia. She said Europe and the United States were stronger together and expressed hope that combined pressure would help bring the war to an end.

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