Following their victory in the US midterm elections, the Democratic Party, having gained control of both chambers of Congress, has begun drafting a new military aid package for Ukraine. According to the Financial Times, citing congressional aides and representatives of organizations supporting Kyiv, the preliminary size of the package is estimated at approximately 15 billion dollars. Lawmakers intend to use both budgetary powers and parliamentary oversight tools to strengthen support for Ukraine and sanctions pressure on Russia.
Energy and Winter Season Take Priority
Among their top priorities, Democrats cite assistance to Ukraine's energy sector ahead of winter, which has been subjected to systematic attacks. To this end, lawmakers plan to embed additional funding and other support measures into the annual US defense policy bill (NDAA), which must be passed before the current Congress completes its term. Thus, part of the support can be secured even before the new parliament begins its work in January 2027.
Interceptor Missiles, Intelligence, and Starlink
A separate area of discussion involves supplying Ukraine with interceptor missiles for air defense systems, as well as providing intelligence and ensuring the uninterrupted operation of Starlink satellite communications. These measures are viewed as part of a broader security package that Democrats intend to advance after the formation of the new Congress.
Review of Sanctions Against Russia
In addition to military aid, Democrats plan to push for a review of Washington's sanctions policy against Moscow. The catalyst was President Donald Trump's decision to use waiver mechanisms and ease additional restrictions amid agreements on supplying Russian diesel fuel to global markets. Consequently, lawmakers intend to amend current sanctions legislation. "We will fix the Graham bill. It took a year and a half to try to impose sanctions on Russia, and then they were simply lifted," a Democratic representative stated.
Administration Oversight and White House Reaction
Democrats also intend to audit the Trump administration's foreign policy decisions and the potential business interests of its representatives, specifically special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner. In response, the White House stated that Trump, Witkoff, and Kushner are focused on ending the war in Ukraine and are committed to constructive cooperation with Congress, adding that Democrats will not be able to "undo the president's achievements." At the same time, lawmakers' capabilities remain limited: overcoming a presidential veto will require the support of some Republicans.
Context: Kyiv's Expectations
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is counting on more extensive US assistance following the Democrats' midterm victory. It is noted that despite the strengthening of the Democrats' position in Congress, US foreign policy remains within the sphere of presidential influence, making budgetary decisions and parliamentary oversight the key instruments of influence for lawmakers.
