Zelensky hopes US election result will bring more support for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism on Wednesday that Democrat victories in the US midterm elections would bolster Kyiv's position and contribute to ending the conflict with Russia. Earlier this year, tensions between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump escalated as the American leader disparaged Kyiv and negotiated a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to ease sanctions in exchange for releasing Russian diesel fuel.

Zelensky, speaking to German broadcaster ZDF, stated that if Congress begins discussing substantial financial or military aid, it could influence Russian President Putin and potentially lead to negotiations for peace. The US-mediated Russia-Ukraine talks, which had been suspended since the start of the war in the Middle East in February, are scheduled to resume next week in Abu Dhabi.

The discussions are being chaired by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, amid criticism of their approach towards Russia.