US Congressman: Congressional Elections Could Push Putin to Rush a Deal on Ukraine
Democratic US Congressman George Whitesides says the upcoming US congressional elections could reduce President Donald Trump's influence over support policy for Ukraine. He argues that this is why Russian leader Vladimir Putin is hurrying to secure a deal favourable to Moscow.
George Whitesides, a Democratic Party member of the US Congress, has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to quickly secure a deal on the war in Ukraine that favours Moscow, because US congressional elections may limit President Donald Trump's ability to shape Washington's policy of support for Kyiv. In the congressman's view, the election outcome could substantially change the situation in Ukraine's favour.
Control of the House of Representatives
Whitesides predicts that Republicans could lose their majority in the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the US Congress. If that happens, the new Congress will begin work in January, and Democrats will have more room to resist pressure on Ukraine. He believes this possible shift in the balance of power may prompt Moscow and Washington to hurry toward an agreement aimed at forcing Ukraine to make concessions.
The congressman thinks a Democratic majority could use legislation to protect intelligence sharing with Ukraine, secure long-term military aid for it and preserve frozen Russian assets.
Criticism of Trump and strikes on oil refineries
Whitesides paid particular attention to Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries. In his view, they cause serious problems for the Kremlin, and Russia's efforts to get them stopped indicate that the campaign is effective.
He also criticised Trump's agreement with Putin on Russian diesel supplies to the US and world markets. According to the congressman, this lets Moscow earn extra revenue while it continues its war against Ukraine.
He also referred to media reports about possible threats to restrict intelligence sharing with Ukraine, to withhold warnings about Russian missile strikes and to limit the operation of Starshield satellite terminals. Whitesides sees such steps as instruments of pressure that could be used to try to force Kyiv to give in.
The congressman called on Ukraine and its European allies to remain resilient until the end of the year. He believes a prolonged war, provided Ukraine receives stable funding, will become an ever greater problem for Putin.
