Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy could benefit from the recent electoral wins by the US Democratic Party, which now holds a strong majority in Congress. Democratic leaders are indicating that increasing support for Ukraine will be a priority when the new Congress is seated in January. However, whether this support can overcome resistance from President Donald Trump, who holds veto power and has historically ignored Congressional efforts, remains uncertain. Since Trump began his second term in January 2025, Congress has not passed significant aid for Ukraine, and the Trump administration has slowed or blocked previously approved assistance.
Democrats aim to address this ineffectiveness. Senator Dick Durbin criticized the Trump administration’s inconsistency regarding aid to Ukraine and emphasized the need for legislative measures to ensure compliance with laws regarding support for Ukraine. A White House official stated that Trump is committed to resolving the conflict in Ukraine and aims for a peace deal, but has often governed without consulting Congress.
Despite Trump’s control over foreign policy, Democrats in Congress intend to leverage their majorities to increase pressure for support to Ukraine. They can incorporate aid provisions and sanctions on Russia into important legislation, such as the National Defense Authorization Act or budget bills. Additionally, they can block Trump’s nominations and initiate investigations, potentially complicating his administration’s operations.
Zelenskiy expressed hope that the Democratic gains would lead to more support for Ukraine, acknowledging the Democrats’ clear stance on the issue. However, experts caution against assuming that a Democratic majority will lead to significant changes, given Trump’s focus on his legacy during his final two years in office. Recently, Trump took actions that favored Russia, including a deal to import Russian diesel, which has upset members of both parties in Congress.
Stay ahead of the geopolitical week.
MD Briefing delivers expert analysis across five global fronts — the Indo-Pacific, energy, geoeconomics, European security, and the Middle East — every Monday morning. Free.
Trump has indicated he plans to use his veto power against any Democrat-led legislation that he opposes. Nevertheless, Democratic victories may allow them to gather sufficient Republican backing to override vetoes on aid for Ukraine. Many Republicans have previously supported assistance for Ukraine, framing it as part of a larger struggle for Western values.
Upcoming US-led talks involving Ukraine and Russia may be influenced by the changing Congressional dynamics, with a stronger Democratic presence potentially applying pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to seek a resolution to the conflict. Experts believe that a Democratic Congress could limit Trump’s inclination to strengthen ties with Russia, which lacks support among the public and many Republicans.
Ukraine’s priorities remain consistent, with a focus on maintaining bipartisan support in Congress. However, the new Congress will not officially begin until January, and the situation in Ukraine is worsening, marked by escalating Russian attacks and a harsh winter approaching. While there are hopes for continued resilience, the immediate future looks increasingly challenging for Ukraine.
With information from Reuters
