Democrats Take Control of U.S. Congress, Push $15 Billion in Ukraine Aid and Tougher Russia Sanctions

Plans to Include Energy and Missile Assistance in the National Defense Authorization Act

The Democratic Party, which has taken control of both the House and Senate in the U.S. midterm elections, is planning to expand aid to Ukraine and strengthen sanctions on Russia, the Financial Times (FT) reported on November 7.

According to a Democratic aide on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, a new security assistance package for Ukraine is expected to total around $15 billion (approximately 20.4 trillion won). Democrats plan to secure as much support for Ukraine as possible before the new Congress convenes in January. They intend to include provisions related to Ukraine, such as energy assistance, interceptor missiles and intelligence support, in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which must be passed before the current Congress ends.

Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Energy assistance is an urgent priority for Ukraine because Russia has been targeting its energy infrastructure with concentrated attacks. Ukraine is also facing a critical shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles needed to defend against Russian attacks.

Efforts to strengthen sanctions on Russia are expected to gain momentum after the new Congress convenes. Democrats are considering as a top priority revising the Russia sanctions bill named after the late former Senator Lindsey Graham. The bill mandates financial sanctions on Russia's defense industry and energy sector. However, last month, President Trump exempted Russia from additional sanctions. Democrats are expected to revise the law to limit President Trump's broad authority to grant sanctions waivers.

Democrats also plan to step up oversight of Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet service. Starlink, which is used as a key communications network by the Ukrainian military, experienced unexplained slowdowns last month, disrupting efforts to repel Russian attacks. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee had earlier notified Musk to preserve all documents related to the Starlink slowdowns.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (foreground, left) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen walk and smile during a press conference in Brussels, Belgium. U.S. President Donald Trump (background, right) walks past Russian President Vladimir Putin before a press conference following their summit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska. EPA-Yonhap News.

Democrats also plan to investigate the Trump Administration's foreign policy and the business interests of people close to President Trump. The investigation is expected to include the business dealings of Steve Witkoff, who served as President Trump's envoy in negotiations with Ukraine and Iran, and the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

However, Democrats will need Republican cooperation, as they do not hold the two-thirds majorities in the House and Senate required to override a presidential veto.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he hoped the incoming U.S. Congress would "resume discussions on strong financial support for Ukraine and the provision of weapons." However, some in Ukraine have urged caution, arguing that even if control of Congress shifts to the Democrats, President Trump will still set the direction of U.S. foreign policy, limiting the scope for fundamental change.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.