Brussels breathes easier, but Moscow may see an opening in Trump’s final two years. A Democratic-controlled Congress could offer Ukraine fresh hope of US military assistance, but it may also make President Donald Trump’s foreign policy “more unpredictable,” raising new concerns among European leaders. Marcin Zaborowski, TVP World’s Europe editor, told the News in Depth program from Brussels that the Democratic victory had brought a sense of relief to EU officials, who see an opportunity to strengthen transatlantic cooperation and support for Kyiv. Congress holds the purse strings Zaborowski argued that the new balance of power in Washington could pave the way for renewed US assistance to Ukraine, although Trump would retain considerable influence over how that support reaches the battlefield. “Congress may also decide to restore the aid for Ukraine. It may happen,” he said. However, the administration could still delay deliveries or determine what equipment Ukraine receives, potentially limiting the practical impact of congressional decisions. Congress could also strengthen sanctions against Russia by passing legislation, making it harder for Trump to reverse restrictions without triggering a political confrontation. A new challenge for Europe Zaborowski warned that Trump’s reduced influence over domestic legislation could encourage him to pursue a more assertive foreign policy. He suggested that Moscow might also see the remaining two years of Trump’s presidency as an opportunity to accelerate its ambitions, potentially creating new risks for European security. For Brussels, the challenge would be to maintain relations with the White House while developing stronger ties with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. European governments should pursue a broader approach to Washington rather than relying exclusively on presidential diplomacy, Zaborowski argued.
