Zelenskyy Seeks More Ukraine Aid After Democratic Sweep — SkimNews
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- Zelenskyy told ZDF that the Democratic gains could work to Ukraine’s advantage, saying stronger U.S. financial or military support would have a positive effect on Putin.
- Democratic Party took control of both the Senate and House after U.S. voters rebuked Trump and Republicans, with party aides saying helping Kyiv would be a priority when Democrats set the congressional agenda in January.
- Trump recently favored Russia through a deal to import Russian diesel and by waiving Russia sanctions that Congress had overwhelmingly approved in Ukraine-supporting legislation; Ukraine also accused Washington of delaying interceptor-missile deliveries.
- Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, urged the new Congress to continue supporting Ukraine and put more pressure on Russia to end the four-and-a-half-year war, described as Europe’s bloodliest conflict since World War II.
- Friedrich Merz doubted Trump would change course because he had largely governed by bypassing Congress, while foreign minister Johann Wadephul was optimistic that slashed Ukraine aid would get more discussion from U.S. lawmakers of both parties.
- Steve Witkoff said Washington would bring Ukrainian and Russian delegations together in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11 to discuss ending the war and security arrangements; Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready to take necessary steps.
Why it matters: Ukraine now faces two tracks: Democratic aides make Kyiv aid a priority when the party takes control of the congressional agenda in January, while Witkoff has scheduled Ukrainian and Russian talks for November 10–11. Merz’s warning that Trump can bypass Congress, paired with Austria’s move to strengthen defense and competitiveness, shows Europe is not relying on the vote alone.
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