Democratic midterm win could shape US policy on Ukraine
Analysts say a Democratic-led Congress may push for more help for Kyiv, but the president still holds most foreign policy power.
Key points
- Democrats won control of Congress in the US midterm elections, according to France 24.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Democrats spoke clearly about backing Ukraine.
- Trump said a deal to end the war is close, though the EU said much work remained.
- Congress takes office in January, and analysts expect its influence on foreign policy to be limited.
The Democrats won a strong victory in the US midterm elections this week, and the result is already changing the political picture at home and abroad. As reported by France 24, the outcome has raised questions about how the new Congress will treat Ukraine and its war with Russia.
In Kyiv, people are cautiously optimistic. Ukrainians understand that US foreign policy is still driven by the White House, so few expect a quick change in Washington’s approach. The tense relationship between President Donald Trump and Ukraine has also left many doubtful.
Reaction from Kyiv and Brussels
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the German broadcaster ZDF on Thursday that Democrats were speaking clearly about backing Ukraine. He said he hoped to push for more funding and defence aid.
Trump said on Friday that a large agreement to end the war was close, and he suggested it could involve all of Europe. US-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine are scheduled for Abu Dhabi next week.
The European Union, however, said a lot of work was still needed. An EU spokeswoman, Paula Pinho, added that decisions affecting the bloc’s security would be up to the EU itself.
What analyst James M. Lindsay expects
Speaking to France 24 was James M. Lindsay, who studies American foreign policy as a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He said the incoming Democratic Congress will likely be more supportive of Ukraine than the current administration has been.
He also said Democrats may find it hard to turn those views into real policy. The president keeps significant authority over foreign policy, and he alone decides who the United States negotiates with and on what subjects. Congress can criticise him and try to persuade him, but it cannot dictate the terms.
Lindsay said Democrats were likely to prioritise ending the war with Iran, backing Ukraine, and limiting Trump’s use of tariffs. He noted that Trump prides himself on dealmaking, so he might try to show he can negotiate with the new Congress. Lindsay also said Trump has historically doubled down when challenged, which could mean he keeps his current approach to Russia.
Why the timing matters
Lindsay warned that expectations for a Democratic Congress have risen sharply, both in the United States and overseas. He said those expectations may be hard to meet, which could lead to disappointment later.
Another obstacle is timing. Democrats won the election in November, but they do not take office until January. Lindsay said Congress will struggle to shape policy in the meantime, whatever lawmakers say in support of the transatlantic relationship.
For now, the key unknown is how Trump will respond to the election result. Whether he chooses cooperation or continues with his current foreign policy will shape how much influence Congress can really have on Ukraine and US-Europe ties.
Frequently asked questions
Why might the Democratic win affect US support for Ukraine?
According to France 24, the incoming Democratic Congress is expected to be more supportive of Ukraine than the Trump administration. Analyst James M. Lindsay said Democrats may push for more financial relief and sanctions on Russia.
Can Congress control US foreign policy on its own?
Lindsay said the president alone decides who the US negotiates with and what to discuss. Congress can criticise the president and try to persuade him, but it cannot dictate negotiation terms.
When will the new Congress take office?
Democrats won the midterm elections in November, but they do not take office until the beginning of January. Their influence on policy will be limited until then.
Sources
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