How US midterms could shape Ukraine's future? Former ambassador explains
Photo: Volodymyr Yelchenko, former Ukrainian ambassador to the United States and the UN (RBC-Ukraine)
Former Ukrainian ambassador to the United States and the UN, Volodymyr Yelchenko, believes that the US congressional elections are likely to shift the balance of power in American politics and could also strengthen Ukraine's position in its war against Russia.
In an interview with RBC-Ukraine, the diplomat noted that Congress has numerous tools to influence various areas of policy.
According to him, these include not only control over the budget but also the power to launch investigations into the activities of US President Donald Trump.
"I'm not saying this will lead to impeachment, but at the very least, the situation will become very tense for him and his Republican Party," Yelchenko said.
In addition, Congress can pass legislation that is important not only for the United States but also for Ukraine. In particular, lawmakers could revisit Senator Lindsey Graham's bill on sanctions against Russia and ask Trump some uncomfortable questions: why is he easing sanctions against Russia instead of implementing the bill's provisions?
"And then there are military aid packages and the allocation of additional funds for Ukraine. In other words, we could even see a return to the situation under Biden. If you recall, the US provided direct military assistance and direct financial aid. Today, none of that exists," Yelchenko explained.
The diplomat believes Congress could take important steps in this direction.
He also suggested that the balance of power within the US legislature could change dramatically after the elections. This would mean Trump would have to do many things he currently does not want to do.
"He will have to pay much closer attention to Congress's views than he does now," Yelchenko concluded.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Republicans in Congress had challenged Trump over his Russia policy.
It was also reported that the US could provide Ukraine with new aid if Democrats win the elections
