The Kremlin hopes the US election shake-up won't shift Trump's negotiations on Ukraine

The Russian government remains confident that the recent U.S. midterm elections will not interrupt their negotiations with Ukraine, despite a shift in political control. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed optimism that President Donald Trump would maintain his efforts to negotiate a settlement between Moscow and Kyiv. He also commended First Lady Melania Trump's humanitarian peace-building efforts, specifically mentioning the successful ceasefire that facilitated humanitarian aid and evacuations around the Russia-occupied city of Oleshky.

Peskov dismissed concerns that the new Democratic-controlled Congress would challenge Trump's stance on Russia and Ukraine, stating it was an "internal matter" for the U.S.

Trump's recent decisions have been seen as more favorable to Moscow, including a diesel fuel import deal last month and a halt to sanctions on Russia. However, these moves have been criticized by lawmakers from both parties, who saw them as benefiting Russian President Vladimir Putin. Additionally, Ukraine reported a slowdown in the Starshield military-grade satellite internet service, which was widely seen as part of Washington's pressure on Kyiv. Despite this, the Kremlin downplayed the situation, stating that deliveries would continue.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appealed for faster delivery of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors to defend against Russian missile attacks. The Trump administration approved a $2.1 billion sale of these interceptors to Ukraine in October. Trump also appeared to agree with the Kremlin's view that Zelenskyy was obstructing peace talks while portraying Putin as more open to negotiations.

In a White House ceremony, Trump met with Putin's envoy Kirill Dmitriev, hinting at a potential grand deal on European security, though he did not meet Ukrainian officials present at the event.