The key facts
- Medvedev suggested that Trump might agree to sanctions against Russia in exchange for the Democrats dropping impeachment.
- The Democrats won a majority in both chambers of the US Congress in the November 3 elections.
- Trump said he is not afraid of a new impeachment and is ready to use his veto power against the Democrats' initiatives.
A deal scenario: impeachment in exchange for sanctions
Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev suggested on his MAX channel that US President Donald Trump might agree to tighten sanctions against Russia in exchange for the Democrats dropping their impeachment initiative. The politician linked this scenario to the Republicans' defeat in the midterm congressional elections, noting that the 'impeachment flywheel' would be set in motion under any circumstances. In Medvedev's view, new restrictions could drive up oil prices, provoke discontent among American motorists, and worsen relations with the Kremlin, which Trump considers his own achievement.
Trump's reaction and the outlook for Congress
While Medvedev considers the possibility of a bargain, Donald Trump himself has said he is not afraid of a new impeachment. The US president allowed for cooperation with the Democrats but warned that he would use his veto power if their initiatives did not suit him. According to the November 3 vote results, the Democrats won a majority in both chambers of Congress, as reported by Associated Press and Reuters, and the new Congress will begin work in January 2027. In the near term, Medvedev does not expect serious consequences for Russia from the change of majority in Congress, calling consultations with the current US administration on Ukraine useful and suggesting that the White House will continue sharing intelligence with Kyiv. More news about Washington's decisions and Russia–US relations can be found in the 'World Politics' section on Life.ru.
