Despite the shift in power, US President Donald Trump retains broad authority over foreign policy decisions, limiting the scope for substantial change under the new Congressional leadership. As such, Ukrainians are unlikely to see an immediate change in how the US approaches its conflict with Russia, given Trump's tense relationship with Ukraine in recent times.

Ukrainian officials have welcomed the Democrats' commitment to supporting their country and strengthening transatlantic ties, but acknowledge that US policy is still set from the White House. The expectation is that the new Congressional leadership will work within existing parameters rather than pushing for radical change.

In an interview with German public broadcaster ZDF, President Zelensky noted that Democrats are "speaking very clearly about supporting Ukraine" and aim to rekindle ties between the US and Europe. He expressed hope of securing additional funding and aid to support his country's defense efforts in the face of ongoing conflict with Russia.

The Democratic majority in Congress may yet bring about some changes, including increased financial relief for Ukraine and more stringent sanctions on Russia. However, their ability to implement significant policy shifts remains constrained by Trump's continued influence over foreign policy decisions.

The outcome of the midterm elections has significant implications for US foreign policy, particularly when it comes to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

US officials have been working towards a potential agreement to end the war in Ukraine, with President Trump claiming that a "big, beautiful agreement" is close and could involve all of Europe. However, EU officials have cautioned that much work remains to be done before any such agreement can be reached.

The European Union's stance on the issue reflects its own security concerns, which must be taken into account in any decision-making process. As EU spokeswoman Paula Pinho noted, it is ultimately up to the EU to decide on matters affecting its security.

The shift in power in Congress, with Democrats gaining control, is likely to result in increased support for Ukraine from the US. However, translating policy preferences into actual change will be challenging due to the president's significant authority over foreign policy.

With a new Congress coming in, ending the war in Iran and reaffirming US support for Ukraine are expected to be among the Democrats' top priorities, along with reining in President Trump's use of tariffs.

The president's negotiating power remains unchanged despite the midterm elections, giving him significant influence over foreign policy decisions.

President Trump has always maintained control over who the US negotiates with and what topics are up for discussion, with Congress limited to offering opinions and trying to sway his decisions through criticism.

Despite this, some analysts suggest that the president may see the election results as an opportunity to demonstrate his negotiating skills in dealing with a Democratic-led Congress, potentially leading to progress on issues like taking a tougher stance against Russia and supporting Ukraine.

However, Trump's history of doubling down when faced with opposition suggests he might instead continue pushing forward with his existing policies towards Russia and Ukraine, rather than making concessions or changes.

The Democrats' ability to set their foreign policy agenda in Congress will be further complicated by internal party divisions and the need to balance competing interests and priorities.

As a result, there is a risk that high expectations for a Democratic-led Congress may lead to significant disappointment both domestically and internationally if these goals are not met.

The new Democratic-led Congress faces a crucial challenge in shaping US foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine. This is because the lawmakers won't take office until January, leaving a significant gap between their electoral victory and actual power.

As they navigate this transitional period, Congressional Democrats will struggle to assert their influence over key issues, including transatlantic relations. No matter how strongly they may reaffirm their commitment to these relationships through public statements, their ability to implement policies will be severely limited until the new Congress is sworn in.

Ultimately, if President Trump continues to pursue his current foreign policy agenda, Congressional Democrats will find it difficult to effectively counterbalance his actions, highlighting the complexities and limitations of US governance during this period.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20261106-what-trump-s-midterms-debacle-could-mean-for-us-support-for-ukraine

This high-level gathering comes just weeks after Melania Trump played a key role in brokering a partial ceasefire that allowed for the evacuation of civilians from the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky. The humanitarian effort marked a rare moment of cooperation between the two warring nations.

The meeting is seen as a precursor to talks in Abu Dhabi, where diplomats will attempt to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war, which has now entered its fifth year. Despite ongoing efforts to bring peace to the region, Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues to cause widespread devastation.

Russia's adviser on international economic cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev, and human rights ombudsman Yana Lantratova are among those scheduled to meet Melania Trump at the White House on Thursday. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, their meeting is contingent upon all logistical arrangements working out.

Ukraine's human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets has announced that he will also be meeting Melania Trump in Washington. His trip to the US capital is part of a series of high-stakes diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

In a Facebook post, Lubinets asked his followers what message they would convey to the First Lady if given the chance. The question comes as Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to engage in intense negotiations with US envoys ahead of next week's meeting in Abu Dhabi.

The White House has confirmed that Melania Trump will personally facilitate a meeting between representatives from Russia and Ukraine at the White House. This unprecedented gathering is seen as a significant step towards resolving the ongoing conflict between the two nations, which have been locked in a bitter dispute for months.

A localized truce between Ukrainian and Russian forces has allowed residents of Oleshky on the southern front to leave after weeks of suffering from food and medicine shortages. This rare halt in fighting was respected by both sides, enabling roads to be demined and facilitating the departure of residents for either Ukraine or Russia.

Melania Trump's office credited her with independently initiating engagement that led to a ceasefire in Oleshky and its surrounding Kherson region. Her significant personal contribution to humanitarian support for Ukraine has been acknowledged, as well as her active involvement in human rights and charitable work.

The White House was expected to host Ukrainian and Russian officials, marking an unprecedented diplomatic initiative by an American First Lady.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20261105-melania-trump-to-host-ukrainian-russian-officials-at-white-house

The alleged hacking incidents involve emergency alert systems designed to warn civilians of potential threats such as drone attacks and radiation risks.

According to Moscow, its own emergency app was targeted by a "massive cyberattack that led to the posting of false information. The alerts were reportedly unrelated to any actual emergencies or threats in the region.

In Ukraine, officials detected baseless warnings of a radiation threat on their air raid alert system, prompting an investigation into possible hacking.

The humanitarian mission in Oleshky, a Russian-occupied city in Ukraine, was made possible by a brief ceasefire brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump. This temporary truce allowed for aid to be delivered to affected areas.

Ukraine's Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, described the pause in fighting as an important step in joint humanitarian efforts with Russia. He acknowledged that the ceasefire had ended on November 1, bringing hostilities back into play.

US-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to resume this month, following a period of stalemate since February's joint strikes on Iran by the US and Israel. These negotiations have been ongoing despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his country would refrain from targeting Russian oil refineries if provided with Patriot interceptor missiles by Washington. This concession was made in response to demands from US counterpart Donald Trump, who has long advocated for such a move.

As the ceasefire came to an end, Kherson regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin warned residents to remain vigilant and respond promptly to warnings of Russian attacks.

The fragile ceasefire in Ukraine's Kherson region has been marked by a sense of cautious optimism among residents, who have been able to resume some normal activities despite the ongoing conflict.

Gardens and parks are once again being tended to, with many locals taking advantage of the temporary calm to catch up on tasks that were put on hold due to the fighting. For Volodymyr Omeltchenko, a 38-year-old gardener, this has meant pruning rose bushes for winter.

However, not everyone is convinced that the ceasefire will stick, and fears are growing that the resumption of hostilities could be even more intense than before. A Ukrainian military officer expressed concern that the renewed fighting would be worse than before".

Russian forces on the other side of the Dnipro river have been using the lull in fighting to reposition troops and gather intelligence on Ukrainian positions, with surveillance drones being used to monitor their opponents' movements.

Russian and Ukrainian forces continued to exchange blows elsewhere on Sunday, as tensions between the two nations remained high.

A drone strike was reported near Moscow, targeting an industrial facility east of the city, according to Russian officials. Meanwhile, Ukrainian media claimed that Kyiv had launched a similar attack against the Kstovo oil refinery in Russia, a site previously targeted by Ukraine as part of its efforts to cripple Russia's energy infrastructure.

Ukraine has repeatedly justified these strikes as necessary retaliation for Russia's own attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities. Analysts have attributed rising diesel costs in part to the ongoing conflict with Iran, but US President Donald Trump has also pointed to Kyiv's actions as a contributing factor.

In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed these criticisms directly, telling Trump and his team that Ukraine would only cease its attacks on Russian refineries if Russia agreed to stop targeting its own energy system.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20261102-ukraine-suspects-nationwide-air-raid-alert-app-has-been-hacked

This sentiment comes as a wave of ballistic missiles hit Ukraine overnight, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The attacks targeted multiple regions across the country, including residential areas, energy infrastructure, shops, cafes, and even a monastery in Kyiv.

Two people lost their lives in the Ukrainian capital, with over 30 others injured due to the relentless bombardment. In addition, an attack on a crowded market in Lozova resulted in the deaths of two women aged 50 and 60, while dozens more were wounded.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's military responded by launching a large-scale drone attack on the Moscow region, wounding two people. The strikes have intensified as winter approaches, causing concern among residents and authorities alike.

The timing of these attacks is particularly striking, coming just hours after US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the resumption of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.

A new wave of attacks has hit eastern Ukraine, targeting civilian areas in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, where families and children have been ordered to evacuate due to the escalating violence.

The onslaught began shortly after US envoy Steve Witkoff concluded his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg, sparking concerns about Moscow's intentions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of showing no willingness to change its stance on the conflict. He pointed out that the attacks suggest a lack of genuine shift in Russia's attitude towards the ongoing crisis.

The timing of these events raises questions about the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Ukraine has been pressing its allies, including the US, for advanced military equipment, such as Patriot interceptors, to counter Russian missile and drone strikes. However, supplies have been slow to materialize, leaving Ukraine vulnerable to further attacks.

Zelensky warned that more strikes are likely in the coming days, suggesting that Russia is taking advantage of a perceived slowdown in air-defence supplies from its allies. This assessment implies that Moscow's confidence has grown due to easing pressure on sanctions and a lack of urgency from Western partners.

In response to Ukraine's pleas for assistance, NATO has announced that it will allow Kyiv to purchase weapons through the alliance's procurement agency on a case-by-case basis.

The use of cluster munitions by Russian forces in Ukraine's capital city, Kyiv, has been a disturbing trend according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. These weapons disperse multiple smaller explosive devices over a wide area, posing a significant threat to civilians.

Human Rights Watch documented an apparent increase in the use of cluster munitions in August, noting that they can be fired from rockets and missiles or dropped from aircraft. The organization warned that such actions could constitute a war crime.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was initially intended as a swift takeover of the country. However, it has instead become one of Europe's largest conflicts since World War II. The scale of destruction is staggering, with hundreds of thousands killed and millions displaced from their homes.

The conflict has also taken a toll on international relations, particularly between Kyiv and Washington. President Zelensky met with US officials in Norway recently amid strained ties between the two countries.

The situation in eastern Ukraine remains dire as President Zelensky asserts that Russia's actions demonstrate no change in its stance towards the conflict.

Ukraine has been pushing for resumption of trilateral talks with Russia and other parties involved, but several rounds over the past 18 months have failed to yield any significant progress. The stalemate is largely due to Russia's insistence on Ukraine withdrawing from territory it still controls in the Donetsk region. This would be accompanied by sweeping restrictions on Ukraine's military and political capabilities.

Moscow has refused to budge on its demands, which Ukraine views as an attempt to dictate unacceptable terms that would leave it vulnerable to further aggression. The Ukrainian government considers these conditions tantamount to surrendering sovereignty and abandoning any hope of a peaceful resolution.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20261022-no-change-russia-attitude-war-after-deadly-attacks-zelensky-says

The delay in missile deliveries is just one aspect of growing tensions between Kyiv and Washington over military aid and intelligence sharing. This comes as Kyiv was caught off guard by recent powerful Russian missile strikes, echoing similar claims made last week about a lack of warning for these attacks.

President Zelensky has stated that the US Pentagon is holding up delivery of missiles already paid for by European allies. He also revealed that several European countries are ready to transfer Patriot interceptor missiles from their own stockpiles but are still awaiting US approval to do so.

Zelensky made his comments during a meeting with US senators on Monday, where he emphasized that the shipment is waiting for Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's signature. "The missiles are ready," Zelensky said, and they could already be in Ukraine. But unfortunately, there is still no approval.

As tensions between Kyiv and Washington escalate, it remains unclear what led to this delay in missile deliveries. The US has denied making any changes to intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, a claim that was also echoed by President Trump regarding the Starshield network.

Tensions between Kyiv and Washington have been escalating in recent days as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses the US of delaying missile deliveries.

The strained relations between the two capitals date back to when former US President Donald Trump partially lifted sanctions on Russia in exchange for a deal to supply diesel fuel to Europe, which was seen as a major concession to Vladimir Putin. Trump also publicly criticized Zelensky, labeling him a "warmonger over Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries.

In a recent statement, Trump defended the diesel deal and once again slammed Zelensky, stating that he doesn't know what he's talking about." Trump even went so far as to suggest that someone else should negotiate on behalf of Ukraine, leaving many in Kyiv worried that their concerns are being ignored.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the possibility of a meeting between Trump, Putin, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping had been discussed. The three leaders reportedly plan to meet in China next month to discuss denuclearization, which has raised concerns in Ukraine that it is being left out of key negotiations.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga expressed his opposition to the proposed meeting, stating that it would only embolden Putin to continue his aggressive actions.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has taken another devastating turn as Russian strikes continue to target Ukrainian energy facilities and infrastructure. The latest assault has left over 500,000 people without power, forcing emergency repairs to the beleaguered grid.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his frustration with the lack of warning from international partners, stating that there was no early indication of the impending attack. This sentiment is likely shared by many in Ukraine who have suffered the consequences of Russia's aggression.

The human toll of these strikes is also being felt, as authorities confirmed six fatalities, including three children, in a strike near the northeastern city of Kharkiv. The loss of life and destruction serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict's deadly nature.

As tensions continue to rise, diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with both sides refusing to budge on key issues. The international community is watching closely, but it appears that a swift resolution to this conflict remains elusive.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20261020-zelensky-accuses-us-of-delaying-missile-deliveries-as-tensions-rise

The talks came as both sides exchanged attacks on each other's energy infrastructure, with Russia targeting Ukraine's power grid and leaving thousands without electricity. In response, Ukrainian forces launched a large-scale drone attack on the Russian city of Saint Petersburg, marking one of the most significant strikes on the city since the start of the war in 2022.

The meeting between Zelensky and the US envoys was held as President Donald Trump faced criticism for his handling of Ukraine's conflict with Russia. Trump has accused Kyiv of resisting peace with Moscow, a claim that has been met with skepticism by many experts.

The White House's decision to block new sanctions on Russia and strike a diesel deal with Moscow has fueled concerns in Kyiv and Europe that the US is shifting its priorities towards aligning with Moscow's interests.

The war in Ukraine has been marked by intense fighting and widespread destruction, but diplomatic efforts have also been underway to bring a peaceful resolution.

US President Donald Trump recently claimed on social media that he was making "great progress in negotiating peace between Russia and Ukraine, but accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of not wanting to end the war. According to Trump, Zelensky is prioritizing his own interests over the welfare of his people.

The US president's comments have sparked concern among European leaders and in Kyiv, where officials are worried that Washington may be shifting its priorities towards aligning with Moscow's interests. This perception has been fueled by recent decisions such as blocking new sanctions on Russia and striking a diesel deal with Moscow.

In response to Trump's claims, Zelensky emphasized the importance of a united front against Russia, saying that Ukraine is willing to work constructively" and "honestly with its partners, including the US. He expressed hope that Washington would take a more supportive stance in the war effort, particularly with regards to delivering Patriot air defence systems to counter Russian missiles.

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, with both sides trading blows in a series of intense attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed gratitude that the United States has resumed intelligence sharing with his country, which had been paused earlier, leaving Ukraine vulnerable to Russian missile strikes.

Zelensky's meeting with American officials comes as efforts to bring an end to the war remain stalled. Despite a push by the US and other international actors, no breakthrough has been achieved in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. The situation on the ground remains dire, with both sides suffering heavy losses.

In a statement, Zelensky accused Russia of violating the energy ceasefire agreed upon by Trump 76 times, warning that Moscow plans to deprive Ukrainians of heat and electricity before winter sets in. He also reported that Russian strikes have left tens of thousands without power in several regions, resulting in three fatalities.

The situation took a dramatic turn on Sunday when Ukraine's army launched a drone attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin's hometown of Saint Petersburg, setting an oil refinery ablaze and killing one person. Other targets included Russia's VKontakte social network data centre and Ozon, the country's second-largest retailer, which reported a strike on its logistics centre.

The Kremlin has made it clear that Ukrainian attacks on its cities will not deter it from achieving its war aims in eastern Ukraine.

Moscow's intention to seize the rest of the region remains unchanged, despite ongoing fighting that has now entered its fifth year. This stance is shared by many observers who see little prospect for a resolution to the conflict anytime soon.

Resident Galina, 58, expressed a sense of resignation when describing the daily attacks on Ukrainian cities, calling it the dreadful routine of war".

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20261018-ukraine-zelensky-war-trump-peace-russia-sanctions

The talks came against a backdrop of rising energy prices, which have been exacerbated by the conflict. US President Donald Trump's announcement that he had reached an agreement with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to increase diesel supplies has drawn criticism from lawmakers and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The deal is seen as a move to ease restrictions on Russian fuel.

US envoy Steve Witkoff tweeted after the meeting, stating that the discussions tackled potential avenues for de-escalation and concluding the war ahead of winter. He also noted that efforts were being made towards a durable and lasting peace. According to Witkoff, the meeting involved representatives from the E3, the European Commission, Ukraine and NATO.

The talks covered several key areas, including energy resilience, grain exports, security guarantees and longer-term arrangements for Ukraine's and Europe's security to prevent future conflict. These measures are seen as crucial in bringing an end to the war and preventing further escalation. Additionally, the parties discussed supporting Ukraine's post-war reconstruction and economic prosperity.

Witkoff did not confirm whether the parties would meet on Saturday as originally planned. The outcome of the talks remains uncertain, but they mark a significant step towards finding a solution to the conflict in Ukraine.

The US, European Union, and Ukraine have been holding constructive discussions about a joint plan to end the conflict in Ukraine, but the outcome remains uncertain.

A stalemate in negotiations has raised concerns that the conflict could escalate further, with some warning of the risk of neighboring NATO countries becoming involved.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned on Thursday that the conflict had reached a potentially explosive impasse, and that stalemates often end through escalation. He warned that the conflict could spread to other regions if not resolved.

The situation has been complicated by global energy supply disruptions, particularly due to the US-Israeli war with Iran, which has driven up fuel prices in many countries.

As international tensions simmer, diplomatic efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine have taken a cautious step forward. Despite ongoing Russian attacks, including a devastating strike on buses in Kramatorsk that claimed 30 lives, US, European, and Ukrainian officials are engaged in constructive discussions about a joint plan to bring an end to the conflict.

Moscow's insistence on controlling all of eastern Ukraine's Donbas region has been a major obstacle to finding a resolution. The Kremlin's sweeping territorial demands have repeatedly thwarted attempts by former US President Donald Trump to broker a peace deal, with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky firmly rejecting any surrender of Ukrainian-held territory.

Zelensky has warned that ceding control over these areas would merely provide Russia with a springboard for another attack. With Russia now occupying roughly one-fifth of Ukraine's landmass since its full-scale invasion in February 2022, European officials are growing increasingly concerned about the economic consequences of the conflict.

The US administration is seeking to make diplomatic progress before November's midterm elections, while also exploring the possibility of broader talks involving Russia and Ukraine later this month. The Kremlin has signaled a willingness to revive three-way negotiations in October, although no date has been set for these talks.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20261010-us-ukrainians-europeans-discuss-new-ideas-to-end-war-diesel

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that massive strikes were heading towards Kyiv, prompting fears among residents about their safety.

The city has been under relentless attack in recent weeks as Russian forces target Ukraine's energy infrastructure and transportation networks.

Air raid sirens have become a constant presence in Kyiv, blaring warnings of incoming Russian strikes with alarming frequency.

Russia's relentless attacks on Ukraine have taken a toll on the country's infrastructure, with energy facilities and transportation networks being targeted relentlessly. The Dnipro river, which bisects Kyiv, has seen its bridges come under attack, severely disrupting movement in and out of the city.

The densely populated Darnytskyi neighbourhood was one of the areas hit by Wednesday's strikes, resulting in a devastating fire that claimed two lives. Rescue efforts were underway as firefighters battled to put out the blaze, with two people being rescued while the fire was still raging.

Kyiv's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, confirmed the tragic loss of life on Telegram, stating that two bodies had been found among the rubble. The city has been under siege for weeks now, with residents living in a state of constant fear as air raid sirens become an increasingly familiar sound.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, President Zelensky's address warned residents to remain vigilant and prepared for another massive strike from Russian forces. In anticipation of this, parts of Kyiv were plunged into darkness due to scheduled power cuts aimed at easing the pressure on the battered grid.

The sounds of heavy shelling sent shockwaves through Kyiv, causing widespread fear among its residents. Daria Medvedeva, a 36-year-old resident, described her children's traumatic experience during these intense moments. Whenever there is heavy shelling, she tries to take them underground for their safety.

In the early hours of Wednesday, an AFP journalist in Kyiv reported hearing a series of explosions that echoed through the city. Meanwhile, Russian drone attacks in the northeastern region of Sumy Oblast resulted in two fatalities and numerous injuries. According to the National Police of Ukraine, scores of people were wounded, including three children who were hurt when their apartment was hit.

The recent escalation of strikes on Kyiv has prompted a warning from its mayor that the city should now be on a war footing. This comes as Ukraine's military reported a ballistic missile heading towards Zaporizhzhia in the southeast, where an attack damaged transport infrastructure, causing further disruption to daily life.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20261007-at-least-two-killed-in-fire-caused-by-massive-strikes-on-kyiv