What US midterm elections mean for Ukraine, Iran and elsewhere

The midterm elections will shape US policy for years with global repercussions, affecting both adversaries like Iran and allies such as Ukraine. While the president wields significant power in the US system, he does not govern alone. The House and Senate, whose composition voters will decide this Tuesday, hold considerable influence over legislation, government spending, and serve as a check on presidential authority.

The president can veto legislation, but Congress can override that veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers. The legislature also handles impeachment proceedings and must approve presidential nominees for Cabinet positions, ambassadors, and federal judges.

Ukraine Support

Under President Biden, the US stood as a reliable partner for Ukraine, providing financial aid, military expertise, and large-scale weapons deliveries after Russia's invasion. The situation changed dramatically under Trump, who suspended sanctions against Russia and reduced aid to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy received a notably frosty welcome during his 2025 White House visit, and Trump has admitted to getting along better with Putin than with Zelenskyy.

If Democrats win majorities in both chambers, they could increase support for Ukraine. If Trump vetoed such legislation, a two-thirds majority could override his veto with support from some Republicans.

Iran War

Trump launched the war against Iran alongside Israel on February 28 without consulting Congress, which must approve a formal declaration of war under the US Constitution. Democrats have repeatedly voted against the war and passed a resolution with some Republicans calling for an end to hostilities, though the Trump administration has ignored it.

Global Aid

Shortly after beginning his second term, Trump sharply cut US support for aid projects fighting Ebola, AIDS, and hunger worldwide. He shut down USAID, the agency responsible for foreign development assistance. While a Democratic-controlled Congress might not be able to fully "reactivate" the agency against the president's wishes, they could push for increased aid spending and investigate the controversial closure.

Ultimately, with Trump remaining president, there will be no complete reversal of course. However, the power dynamics would shift significantly with a Democratic-controlled Congress, leading to changes in certain policy areas.