Democrats in the US Congress plan to prepare a $15 billion military aid package for Ukraine and push for tougher sanctions against Russia. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Washington to adopt a firmer stance regarding Russian aggression and emphasized the need for air defense missiles. Germany and the US have agreed on four principles for a peaceful settlement, while Kaja Kallas has stressed the necessity of European involvement in any potential agreements. Against this backdrop, Russia launched a massive strike on Kyiv’s energy infrastructure, damaging the Northern Bridge.
Democrats in the US Congress Prepare a $15 Billion Military Aid Package for Ukraine
Following their performance in the midterm elections, Democrats in the US Congress plan to bolster support for Ukraine and push for additional sanctions against Russia. According to The Financial Times, members of the Democratic Party are working on a new security assistance package for Kyiv, valued at approximately $15 billion. A staffer on the House Foreign Affairs Committee noted that energy-related aid for Ukraine is among the top priorities. Lawmakers also intend to utilize the transition period—before the new Congress convenes in January—to secure urgent support. One potential vehicle for this is the annual defense policy bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is expected to be passed before the current Congress concludes its term.
A specific priority for the Democrats will be revisiting legislation on sanctions against Russia, known as the "Graham bill." The measure, which garnered broad bipartisan support, mandates financial restrictions on Russia’s defense and energy sectors; however, U.S. President Donald Trump never implemented the sanctions it prescribed—and instead lifted restrictions on the supply of Russian diesel fuel.
"We are going to fix the Graham bill. It took a year and a half to secure sanctions against Russia, only for them to be simply scrapped," stated a Democratic committee aide.
At the same time, the Democrats lack the votes required to independently override a potential veto by Trump. They also plan to increase oversight of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network—currently used by Ukraine—following an unexplained slowdown in the service last month that hindered defense efforts against Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy Urges U.S. to Take a Tougher Stance on Russian Aggression
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that it is painful for Ukraine to hear Donald Trump suggest that Russia is "acting normally," despite its attacks and the deaths of civilians. The head of state made these remarks in an interview with CNN, addressing a statement by the U.S. President—made just hours after a strike on a park in Kharkiv in October that killed a teacher and her one-year-old daughter.
"It is hard to find the right words," Zelenskyy said. “To be honest, the President can say whatever he wants and share it with his own people. But for all of us, it is very painful.”
According to the Ukrainian President, he would like to hear a different tone from the U.S. leader—whom he described as the most powerful defender of freedom.
“We are fighting for freedom and dying for freedom—our soldiers, civilians, ordinary people, teachers, and children,” Zelenskyy added.
The Head of State emphasized that the position and words of the United States carry great weight for Ukraine.
“The words of the United States are very important. Support is very important. If the rhetoric regarding Putin—the aggressor and the aggression—is tough, and if the support package for Ukraine is substantial, believe me, Putin will not have such a free hand in his actions and attacks,” he stated.
Commenting on the deaths of Russian military personnel, Zelenskyy noted that he feels no sympathy for soldiers who came onto Ukrainian territory to kill people. He also stressed that the decision to send them to foreign soil was made by Putin, and that the Russian occupation has led to the destruction of residential homes, schools, and churches. According to the President, Ukraine needs air defense missiles to hold out until the moment Trump compels Putin to enter into negotiations. Zelenskyy also reaffirmed his readiness to meet with the Russian leader in any country other than Russia—for instance, in the United States, Europe, or the Middle East.
Germany and the US Agree on Four Principles for a Peaceful Resolution of the War in Ukraine
Germany and the United States share a common position regarding four key principles for a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. This was stated by German Federal Government spokesperson Stefan Cornelius during a briefing in Berlin. The first principle stipulates that the war in Ukraine must be brought to an end before discussions on the future security order in Europe can take place. The second concerns the comprehensive nature of any arrangements: the agreement must be part of an all-encompassing package, where no single point is considered agreed upon until consensus is reached on all issues. The third principle requires consensus among NATO partners, while the fourth calls for the direct participation of European nations in negotiations concerning the future of Ukraine and the security of the continent.
"A key argument from the Federal Government—the fourth point—is that negotiations regarding European security and peace in Ukraine strike at the very core of Europe’s interests; therefore, in our view, negotiations conducted without European participation would not be appropriate," emphasized Cornelius.
He also reported that Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump overnight into Friday, during which they discussed the peace process regarding Ukraine. According to the spokesperson, Berlin is kept informed about the U.S. administration's negotiations and is actively coordinating positions with European partners within the E3 format. Cornelius noted that the negotiation process has gained new momentum following the U.S. midterm elections, and that preparations for meetings—whether in Abu Dhabi or elsewhere—are currently underway. Furthermore, during consultations—specifically in the context of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Germany—the financing of Ukraine was discussed; according to a spokesperson, this matter needs to be resolved in the coming weeks.
Kaja Kallas stated that Putin has no veto power regarding European security
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, declared that Russia cannot dictate the terms of European security and that Ukraine must be integrated into Europe’s existing defense architecture. She said these remarks following a meeting of the Council of the Baltic Sea States in Warsaw. According to Kallas, any peace agreement would require the involvement of the European Union, as the EU plays a central role in issues concerning security guarantees, sanctions, reconstruction, and Ukraine’s accession to the EU. She emphasized that Europe is not a neutral mediator in the negotiations, given its support for Ukraine.
"Any agreement to end the war must make it impossible for Russia to use force again—that is, to use a pause to rearm and launch a new attack," Kallas stated.
The EU representative also outlined key demands for Russia that must be part of the negotiation process. These include the non-recognition of Russian claims to occupied Ukrainian territories, accountability for war crimes and destruction, guarantees of Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, and the country’s right to choose its own alliances. Additionally, Kallas stressed that placing limits on the size of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is unacceptable; she also called for the return of deported Ukrainian children and an end to Russian sabotage activities in Europe.
"I want to emphasize a fundamental point. A European security architecture already exists. NATO and the European Union play their respective roles within it. We must ensure that Ukraine is integrated into this architecture," she noted.
Kallas also stated: "NATO did not pose a threat to Russia in 2021, and it does not pose one now. Putin has no veto power over European security."
According to her, the European Union will not abide by agreements to which it is not a party—specifically those concerning sanctions or frozen Russian assets.
Russia strikes Kyiv’s energy infrastructure and damages the Northern Bridge
On the night of November 7, Russian forces launched missile and drone attacks on energy infrastructure surrounding Kyiv. The strikes caused severe disruptions to the capital’s electricity and heating systems, occurring as temperatures dropped to near freezing. According to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, explosions were heard across various districts of the city, and several ballistic missiles struck and damaged the Northern Bridge, which spans the Dnipro River. The Ministry of Energy reported significant destruction to facilities outside Kyiv—specifically to systems that transmit electricity from two nuclear power plants to the capital and central regions of Ukraine.
"The capital is facing serious difficulties with the supply of electricity, water, and heat," stated President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
He added that substations in five other regions were also targeted.
Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched 36 ballistic missiles, only four of which were intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses. Some of the missiles were of North Korean manufacture and struck a critical energy facility. According to local authorities, the overnight attacks across Ukraine resulted in at least two deaths and approximately a dozen injuries; residential buildings, businesses, and other structures were also damaged. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that it had attacked facilities belonging to Ukraine’s military-industrial complex, as well as energy and transport infrastructure in and around Kyiv. The strikes took place three days before scheduled talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in Abu Dhabi, set to be held from Tuesday to Wednesday. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine expects greater attention from the U.S. Congress regarding Russian attacks, as well as increased support.
"We expect the U.S. Congress to pay more attention to Ukraine, because Russia continues to increase the number of its attacks," the President said.
Photo: REUTERS/Gleb Garanich
Author: Danylo Pievchev