Key facts
- Zelenskiy told ZDF he hoped Democrats taking both chambers of Congress next year would work to Kyiv's advantage.
- Zelenskiy said more US financial or military support could have an impact on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- US envoy Steve Witkoff said Ukraine and Russia delegations would meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11.
- Zelenskiy said Ukraine is grateful to SpaceX for Starlink connectivity but does not like Musk's position on the war.
- Zelenskiy said last week that Starlink and Starshield had resumed operations at levels before limitations were introduced.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in an interview with Germany's ZDF television that he hoped Democratic gains in the US midterm elections would bring more help for Ukraine in its war with Russia, now in its 4-1/2 year. The interview was conducted on Wednesday, according to the report, which did not give the date. ZDF provided his comments in German before the interview was broadcast.
"I am also grateful to the Republicans, but the Democrats speak very clearly about supporting Ukraine and providing assistance to Ukraine," Zelenskiy said. He said he hoped the changes caused by Democrats taking control of both chambers of Congress next year would work to Kyiv's advantage, citing Democratic talk of renewing the connection between the United States and Europe.
Zelenskiy said more US aid could affect Russian President Vladimir Putin. "If Congress now speaks of strong financial support or military assistance, as Europe is doing and demonstrating today, then that will be something positive that will have an impact on Putin," ZDF quoted him as saying.
The Ukrainian president has worked to smooth an uneven relationship with US President Donald Trump, particularly after an Oval Office meeting in February 2025, when he was accused of being "ungrateful" for US assistance. In recent weeks, Trump has made several moves favorable to Russia, including a deal to import Russian diesel and ease sanctions, according to the report.
US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff said on Monday that the United States would bring together delegations from Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11 to discuss ending the war, post-war security agreements and de-escalation. The US-led trilateral talks are due to resume after a gap of several months.
Zelenskiy also discussed access to the Starlink satellite system of Elon Musk's SpaceX. "We are grateful to SpaceX for providing us with connectivity. That was very helpful at the beginning of the war," he said. "But we must be very clear about this: we certainly do not like his position on this war." He said last week that Starlink and its military grid version Starshield, used for Ukraine's attack and air defense drone missions, had resumed operations at levels before limitations were introduced. Trump denied being involved in the decision concerning the service slowdown.