US President Trump has recently turned more and more against Ukraine. He has accused Ukrainian President Zelensky of being less interested in peace than Russian President Putin. He demanded that Ukraine stop shelling Russian refineries and suspended sanctions against Moscow.
The electoral defeat of Trump's Republicans gives many in Ukraine hope that the USA will change course. The same goes for USA expert Oleksandr Krajew: "There will be quite a few pro-Ukrainian politicians in the new Congress. Among the Democrats, but also among the Republicans."
The so-called MAGA politicians among the Republicans suffered a defeat. "So the part of the party that supported Trump the most. That's why this election result is positive for us."
Get money back from the USA quickly?
Under Trump's predecessor Joe Biden, the Democratic Party and Republicans support Ukraine. That changed when Trump took office last year. Trump and his so-called MAGA camp caused the USA to stop financial aid to Ukraine.
Krajew doesn't believe that money will quickly flow back into Ukraine from the USA. But: "It seems more likely to me that Congress will force the president to fulfill commitments he has already made."
Trump promised Ukraine almost 100 missiles for the Patriot defense system and a license to produce such missiles. "Congress can now force the White House to play by the rules, to at least be a reliable business partner for Ukraine and Europe."
Russia sanctions are probably more difficult to ease
The US Parliament will also play an important role in the Russia sanctions, observers believe. It will be harder for Trump to soften them.
Another point: Congress is now likely to monitor Trump and those around him more closely. And that could also apply to the non-transparent talks with Russia, say observers. Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and businessman Steven Witkoff run it. According to critics, the two are pursuing their own business interests at the expense of Ukraine.
The Kremlin-critical Russian USA expert Alexandra Filipenko said on the Internet channel "Breakfast Show": "There will be hearings, the demand to present documents. Everything that concerns the negotiations, agreements with Russia, i.e. business - slash - diplomacy, all of that will be investigated."
No Ukrainian ambassador to the USA
It is now important for Ukraine to work with each and every MP, says Krajew. The problem is that Ukraine has not had an ambassador in Washington for three months. Krajev says this is President Volodymyr Zelensky's fault. "Zelensky's presidential office doesn't want to give up the issue of America. It doesn't want to share it with anyone, not with the Foreign Ministry, with anyone," says Krajew.
"That's why it's looking for a comfortable candidate. Mr. Zelensky wants to appoint someone loyal to him rather than a professional diplomat. That's why we have this problem and still no ambassador to the US."
At least in the Senate, the upper house of the US Parliament, Ukraine already has a contact: Senator Richard Blumenthal, co-author of a law that is intended to force Trump to impose tougher sanctions against Russia. A law that has been passed, but which Trump has not yet applied.
Selenksyj hopes for more support
Zelenkyj himself hopes that the election will provide more support for his country in the war against Russia. Zelensky said on Wednesday on ZDF that he hoped that the future majority of Democrats in both chambers of the US Congress would be an advantage for the government in Kiev.
Although he was also grateful to the Republicans, the Democrats were very clear in their support for Ukraine. Therefore, there is hope for a new balance of power and more help. This will also have an impact on Russian President Vladimir Putin. If Congress now talks about strong financial or military support, this is something positive that will have an influence on Putin.
