Democrats' midterm sweep raises hopes for Ukraine aid — but Trump's veto looms

The Democratic Party's sweep of both chambers of Congress in the US midterm elections has drawn attention to the potential impact on the Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fifth year.

Foreign media reports Wednesday (local time) indicated a sweeping Democratic victory in the midterm elections held Tuesday.

NBC projected that Democrats would secure 255 of 435 House seats based on results as of 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. In the Senate, analysts said Democrats had achieved their primary goal of reclaiming the majority.

With Democrats controlling both chambers, voices in Congress advocating for Ukraine's position are expected to grow louder. The party has been openly critical of President Donald Trump's moves to ease sanctions against Russia.

Observers say related legislation could advance more quickly — either through standalone bills on Russia sanctions or Ukraine aid, or by attaching Ukraine-support provisions to must-pass measures such as defense appropriations bills.

Ukraine also stands to benefit from Congress's strengthened oversight role, including the power to initiate impeachment proceedings against the Trump administration.

Questions remain, however, over delays in approving Patriot missile deliveries to Ukraine and restrictions on Starlink service. Those issues had fueled allegations that the Trump administration was pressuring Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian oil facilities after striking a deal to import large quantities of Russian diesel.

Rep. Gregory Meeks, who leads the Democratic Party's side on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told Ukrainian outlet Kyiv Independent that Democrats would "pass legislation that compels the provision of security, economic and intelligence support Ukraine needs to defend itself against Russia's brutal and illegal invasion."

Trump's veto power, however, remains a significant constraint on congressional authority. Overriding a presidential veto requires a two-thirds majority in both the House and the Senate.

Even if legislation clears Congress, the Trump administration could simply ignore it. The Graham Act — a sweeping Russia sanctions bill that imposes steep tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy, among other measures — offers a telling example. Enacted into law in September, it was effectively shelved last month when Trump struck the diesel deal with Russia and granted exemptions from the sanctions.

Trump's Russia-friendly diplomatic style remains another source of uncertainty for Ukraine. The diesel deal he announced last month drew criticism as a move that runs counter to Western sanctions against Moscow. Persistent concerns about Ukraine being sidelined in the US-brokered end-of-war negotiations point to the same dynamic: American envoys pursuing a ceasefire deal visited Moscow eight times while making just one trip to Kyiv, in September.