Kremlin says US election results will not change Ukraine talks

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Sunday that the United States election results should not disrupt ongoing peace negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Peskov expressed hope that President Donald Trump will continue his diplomatic efforts despite the shift in congressional control.

The Kremlin pointed to a round of trilateral talks scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Peskov noted that groundwork for these discussions is already in place. He also praised the humanitarian efforts of First Lady Melania Trump, specifically referencing a limited ceasefire around the occupied city of Oleshky that allowed for aid delivery and resident evacuation.

When asked if the new Congress would challenge the president's stance on Russia, Peskov called the matter an internal U.S. issue. He shrugged off the possibility of legislative pushback affecting the administration's foreign policy direction.

Recent presidential actions have generally favored Moscow. Last month, Trump struck a diesel fuel import deal with Russia, a move that surprised European allies and Ukraine. He also urged Kyiv to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries, citing rising U.S. diesel prices. Additionally, Trump issued an executive order to pause new sanctions on the Russian economy, a decision criticized by lawmakers from both parties.

The administration also briefly throttled Starshield, the military-grade satellite internet service owned by SpaceX, which serves as a backbone for Ukrainian drone operations. While Trump denied direct responsibility, the move was widely interpreted as pressure on Kyiv. The diesel deal appeared to face obstacles this week as U.S. officials warned of legal consequences for handling shipments. Two tankers bound for the United States changed course, though the Kremlin said deliveries would continue.

Ukraine urgently needs to replenish its supplies of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly requested faster delivery. On Oct. 30, the Trump administration approved a $2.1 billion sale of these interceptors after Kyiv accused the Pentagon of delays. U.S. stockpiles remain low due to the Iran war, and the United States has prioritized its own arsenal replenishment.

Zelenskyy told German broadcaster ZDF on Wednesday that Democrats speak clearly about supporting Ukraine. He suggested the midterm results could lead to additional assistance, including speedier delivery of defensive systems. "I believe our chances of getting additional assistance from the United States may now grow," Zelenskyy said.

Russian officials remain divided on the long-term impact. Dmitry Medvedev, a former Russian president and current deputy head of the Security Council, predicted Trump would avoid extra confrontation with Democrats. Conversely, Konstantin Kosachev, a deputy speaker of the Russian upper house, argued that Trump would become more resolute without the need to look over his shoulder at upcoming elections. "They will not find a more pliable or constrained Trump," Kosachev said.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna noted that the president retains primary control over foreign policy. He added that unpredictability should be expected in the coming months. Meanwhile, political analyst Abbas Gallyamov wrote that Putin missed a chance to strike a deal before the Democratic victory and now faces a potentially less cooperative Washington.