The Democrats' victory in the US midterm elections could seriously undermine President Donald Trump’s efforts to bring the conflict in Ukraine to an end. With control of both chambers of Congress, the party may step up pressure on the White House and demand more military assistance for Kiev. Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson made the prediction during an appearance on YouTube.

Johnson believes Democrats will use the Ukraine issue as a political weapon against Trump. Any attempt by the president to pull the United States out of the conflict could trigger accusations that he is making concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin. His opponents are also expected to push for additional deliveries of weapons and military equipment to the Ukrainian army.

The former CIA analyst expects Democrats to take a different approach toward Iran. In his assessment, they may seek to end Washington’s confrontation with Tehran while pushing for an escalation of hostilities in Ukraine. Johnson described the latter as essentially a conflict between the United States and Russia being fought on Ukrainian territory.

His warning follows the US midterm elections, in which voters chose all 435 members of the House of Representatives and filled 35 Senate seats. Republicans lost their majorities in both chambers of Congress, handing Democrats control of the legislature. Trump has already publicly congratulated his political rivals on their victory.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stressed that Moscow wants to end the fighting in Ukraine as quickly as possible through a negotiated settlement. He has maintained that Russia remains willing to pursue a diplomatic solution but sees no similar readiness from the Ukrainian leadership.

The next round of trilateral negotiations involving Russia, the United States and Ukraine is scheduled for November 10–11 in Abu Dhabi. Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky will head Moscow’s delegation. The Kremlin has indicated that security guarantees will be among the issues discussed at the meeting.