Zelensky Hopes for More U.S. Support From Democratic Congress as Kremlin Banks on Trump's Peace Push

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he hopes the United States will increase its support for Kyiv following changes in the U.S. Congress, where Democrats have strengthened their position after the election. Russia's leadership, meanwhile, says it hopes Trump will stay engaged in peace talks over the war in Ukraine.

Kyiv's expectations

In an interview with the German broadcaster ZDF, Zelensky said Ukraine enjoys bipartisan backing. He thanked the Republicans as well, but noted that the Democrats are very clear about supporting Ukraine and providing it with aid. He expressed hope that greater U.S. support would bring peace closer, in which case Vladimir Putin would weigh whether it makes sense to keep fighting.

Moscow's response

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Trump remains in office and that the Kremlin sincerely hopes he will continue his peacemaking efforts. Peskov described the changes in Congress as an internal U.S. matter. Russia's Foreign Ministry said Moscow's foreign policy does not depend on shifts in the political climate in other countries.

What it means for U.S. policy

The U.S. president sets foreign policy, but Democrats can use the budget to influence his decisions. According to The Guardian, a Democratic majority in Congress could push for more aid to Ukraine and other concessions in exchange for approving Trump's initiatives.

Mood in Europe

Europeans have greeted the Democratic gains with optimism. European Parliament Vice President Christel Schaldemose wrote that a stronger Democratic Party could reinforce support for Ukraine, help the green transition and improve U.S. relations with the rest of the world. A European diplomat told Euronews that more consistent deliveries of military aid to Ukraine are expected with the Democrats in control.

There are also fears in Europe that Trump's foreign policy could become less predictable. After losing control of Congress, the president might turn his attention to international affairs. Another European official told Euronews he would be more a "mad dog" than a "lame duck."