Zelensky linked the results of the US midterm elections to hopes for increased support for Kyiv

Hopes for a new alignment in Washington

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that he hopes the results of the US midterm elections will lead to increased support for Kyiv. His words were cited by the Anadolu agency, which published a report on his interview with the German TV channel ZDF, excerpts of which Zelensky posted on Telegram. In his view, an increase in American military and financial aid could affect the calculations of Russian President Vladimir Putin and bring the parties closer to negotiations.

What exactly Zelensky expects from Congress

“What do the results of the US elections mean for us? As human beings, we always believe and hope that any changes will be more positive,” Zelensky said. He expects that the new balance of power in Washington will translate into greater support for Ukraine, especially if Congress approves additional military and financial assistance. “If Congress starts talking about strong financial support or support for Ukraine with weapons — the kind of support Europe is demonstrating today — that would be positive,” Anadolu quoted him as saying. In Zelensky's logic, such a shift would influence Putin, making him consider whether continuing the war makes sense, and would bring possible negotiations and peace closer.

Bipartisan support and coordination with Europe

Zelensky said that Ukraine retains bipartisan support in the United States, thanking Democrats and Republicans, but noted that Democratic candidates made clear statements in support of Kyiv during the campaign. He also called for closer coordination between Washington and European capitals, calling this alliance necessary to stop Putin.

Elections in Ukraine and the military's position

Unlike Anadolu's initial publication, the full version of the article covers another topic of the interview: elections in Ukraine. Zelensky said that online voting is possible: “We can consider holding elections online, but parliament must find a solution.” He added that Ukrainian soldiers oppose holding elections under current conditions because they have no opportunity to vote: millions are in the trenches, and organizing voting for them is technically difficult.

Donbas and the request for Taurus missiles

Responding to proposals to withdraw troops from Donbas in exchange for peace, Zelensky rejected such a scenario, saying it would not stop Russia's further advance. He also explained why Kyiv wants to receive German long-range cruise missiles Taurus: they would make it possible to strike Russian missile launch sites. The deliveries, in his words, would benefit both countries — the systems would undergo combat testing, and Germany would improve its defense industry. As an example, he cited the German IRIS-T air defense system: Ukraine's combat experience helped demonstrate its capabilities and identify shortcomings, demand grew, and German manufacturers have orders for 10–20 years ahead. Another reason for the Taurus request is the limited options for countering Russian ballistic missiles after the US failed to deliver additional interceptor missiles.