Zelensky Sees Hope for More US Aid

President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope that Democrats’ victory in US congressional elections would lead to greater American support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war.In an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, Zelensky said he hoped Democratic control of both chambers of Congress next year would bring changes favorable to Kyiv.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.“We have bipartisan support, support from both parties. I am also grateful to the Republicans, but the Democrats are very clear about supporting Ukraine and providing assistance,” Zelensky said.He also pointed to Democrats’ calls to rebuild ties between Washington and Europe, arguing that transatlantic cooperation was essential to confronting Putin.“They talk about restoring ties between the US and Europe, which have weakened somewhat in recent years,” he said.“Without this connection, without these relationships, it is very difficult to impose unity on Putin.”Zelensky said stronger commitments from Congress to provide financial and military assistance could influence the Russian leader’s calculations about continuing the war.“If Congress now speaks of strong financial support or support through weapons, as Europe is doing and demonstrating today, then it will be something positive that will influence Putin.”Putin would then have to consider whether it made sense to continue fighting as support for Ukraine increased. Zelensky said he hoped greater US backing would bring negotiations and a possible peace agreement closer. Other Topics of Interest Russian Diesel Tankers Flee US Route as Trump-Putin Deal Hits Sanctions Wall Two tankers initially carrying Russian diesel to the US have changed course, with one heading towards Brazil and another entering the Mediterranean, according to the Financial Times. What can a Democratic Congress change?Democratic control brings greater influence over the legislative calendar, committee investigations, and federal spending, though it does not confer unilateral control over foreign policy.Under current Senate rules, ending debate on most legislation generally requires 60 votes, making Republican cooperation important for contested aid or sanctions packages. Trump also retains veto power. Overriding a veto requires two-thirds of those voting in each chamber, with a quorum present.Consequently, Republican advocates remain essential regardless of party control. The key question is how many remaining GOP lawmakers will break ranks with their own president to back Ukraine.Congressional scrutiny offers another route. As Kyiv Post reported before the election, Republican lawmakers were already challenging the administration over Russian diesel arrangements, sanctions waivers, and restrictions affecting Ukraine’s military capabilities.A Democratic majority can pursue these issues through hearings, document requests, and investigations. That can raise the political cost of administration decisions without automatically reversing them. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.