The key facts
- According to Souad Mekhennet's forecast (The Washington Post), the Democrats may increase pressure on Zelensky after the talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10–11
- The Democrats won both chambers of Congress on November 3, but the new composition will only take office on January 3, 2027
- Financial Times reports on preparations of an aid package for Ukraine worth ~$15 billion; Reuters — on possible changes in Washington's course
Mekhennet's forecast: a Democratic victory does not equal increased support for Kyiv
The Democratic Party's victory in the US midterm congressional elections on November 3 does not guarantee Ukraine a return to previous levels of American aid, and President Volodymyr Zelensky may, on the contrary, face increased political pressure from the Democrats themselves. This forecast was made by The Washington Post journalist and national security specialist Souad Mekhennet on the air of the Maybrit Illner program on the German TV channel ZDF.
Divisions within the party and pressure after Abu Dhabi
According to Mekhennet, even Democratic control of both chambers of parliament does not mean unity on the question of supporting Kyiv: among the newly elected lawmakers there are politicians who oppose large-scale US involvement in foreign conflicts — both in Ukraine and in the Middle East. She suggested that pressure on the Ukrainian leadership could increase noticeably after the Russia-US-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi, scheduled for November 10–11. In her assessment, doubts are growing within the American political system about the possibility of achieving the set goals by military means alone. Mekhennet also pointed to the economic consequences of the protracted conflict for European countries: in Germany, rising living costs and additional budget expenditures are becoming arguments in debates over continuing financial support for Ukraine, and similar sentiments, in her words, are influencing American politicians.
What is known about the new Congress and the Democrats' plans
As a result of the November 3 elections, the Democrats won majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, but the new Congress will not take office until January 3, 2027. Until then, the legislature operates in its previous composition, and President Donald Trump retains authority over foreign policy. Thus, in the coming two months the balance in Congress will effectively not change, even though the talks in Abu Dhabi will take place on November 10–11 — that is, before the new composition takes office. Earlier, Life.ru, citing the Financial Times, reported that the Democrats are preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine worth approximately 15 billion dollars. At the same time, Reuters identified five areas in which the new Congress could change Washington's policy, including increased oversight of the Trump administration's foreign military operations; to override a presidential veto, the Democrats would need the support of some Republicans. These data describe preparations and possible scenarios, not adopted decisions: the actual course will become clear after the new Congress is formed.
