Experts: US midterms unlikely to sharply change Washington's policy on the war in Ukraine

Elections and talks: what connects the two events

Next week, talks between representatives of the United States, Russia and Ukraine are to be held in Abu Dhabi. Against the backdrop of the Democrats' victory in the US midterm elections, the outlet Kun.uz discussed with experts how the election results may affect the negotiation process and the war as a whole.

Washington's policy will remain the same, Soyibnazarov believes

Political scientist Abduvali Soyibnazarov does not expect the congressional election results to have a major impact on the Russia-Ukraine war. According to him, in the United States the president may hold one position while the Pentagon and the CIA act in a different direction. He recalled that Trump has so far emphasized the need to keep Russia engaged in the talks — buying diesel fuel from it or not obstructing certain Russian investment projects; in the expert's view, Trump's goal is not to offend Russia so that it does not walk away from the negotiating table.

Aid to Ukraine continues despite pressure on Trump

Soyibnazarov noted that many accuse Trump of pressuring Ukraine, yet other US government agencies act differently: at a certain period the transfer of intelligence and military data to Ukraine was indeed suspended, but at other times the Pentagon and the CIA continued providing the necessary information, and arms aid to Ukraine is being delivered. Therefore, the expert believes, even if the Democrats win a majority in Congress next year, there will be no drastic change in the current US policy toward Ukraine.

Protests and public opinion as a factor

Shuhrat Rasul described Trump's position in the war as contradictory, but noted that under various pressures he was forced to help Ukraine. According to him, polls showed that more than 60% of Americans supported Ukraine, and recent protests in support of Ukraine and against Trump's policy took place in 300 US cities. The expert believes that only one or two weeks have passed, so it would be wrong to consider the Americans' position secondary: in his view, the recent demonstrations were a reaction to Trump's rapprochement with Russia's and Putin's position, and they were joined, among others, by people who had wavered and previously supported Trump.

The question of impeachment

Touching on possible impeachment, Rasul recalled historical precedents: Richard Nixon, realizing that some members of his own party would vote against him, was forced to resign. He also recalled that Trump has already faced impeachment proceedings once, and at that time Republicans were among those who voted against him.