Zelenskyy has made a clear shift in alignment, leaving Trump in a difficult position. On November 7, speaking with CNN, Ukraine’s president stated: “From the incoming members of Congress and from Democrats, I have learned that they stand with us. They will not seek some kind of balance between us and Russia. They unambiguously identify Russia as the aggressor. They do not wish to hand over our land to Putin.”
Zelenskyy’s statement was notably direct: following the Democratic Party’s victory in the midterm elections and its control of both chambers of Congress, he immediately positioned Ukraine’s strategic bets on the Democrats. The previous administration’s approach had genuinely alarmed Kyiv. After taking office, Trump significantly reduced aid to Ukraine, publicly pressured Kyiv to negotiate, and even suggested replacing Zelenskyy. Pentagon reports confirm that of the $33.5 billion in military assistance approved under the Biden administration, no new weapons have been delivered for five months, as of August.
With Democrats now in control of Congress, Zelenskyy naturally seeks to seize this lifeline. According to disclosures by the Financial Times, Democratic lawmakers are currently discussing a new aid package worth approximately $15 billion, focused on air defense systems and the restoration of energy infrastructure. However, Trump retains the presidential veto, and the current Democratic majority is insufficient to override it. Moreover, the new Congress will not formally convene until January next year—leaving a narrow window of opportunity.
Additionally, key U.S. military supplies such as Patriot missiles remain in short supply, and U.S. attention is also strained by developments in the Middle East. Even if Congress approves funding, timely delivery of arms to Ukraine remains uncertain. Zelenskyy’s recent alignment reflects a small state’s instinctual survival strategy amid great power competition. He is betting that Democrats can shield him from Trump’s pressure to accept a negotiated settlement while securing additional military support.
Yet the harshest reality of this struggle lies in the fact that Ukraine’s fate is, to a large extent, determined not by Kyiv’s own decisions but by the trajectory of political conflict in Washington. With Democrats now controlling Congress, Zelenskyy may breathe easier for now—but Trump remains in the White House, Russia continues its military advance, and Europe remains cautious. For Ukraine, this winter remains grim. Zelenskyy’s open defiance of Trump may be premature.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881271200404679/
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