U.S. midterm elections 2026 LIVE: Republican U.S. House Speaker to step down; Zelenskyy hopes Democrat gains will bring more help for Ukraine

Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson reacts at his midterm election night rally in Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S., on November 3, 2026. | Photo Credit: Reuters U krainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview on Wednesday (November 4, 2026), said he hoped gains by Democrats in the U.S. midterm elections would generate more help for Ukraine in its war with Russia. His remarks came after Democrats seized control of both chambers of the U.S.

Congress in a sweeping rejection of U.S. President Trump’s party and his policies. “I am also grateful to the Republicans, but the Democrats speak very clearly about supporting Ukraine and providing assistance to Ukraine,” he said in comments provided in German by ZDF before the interview was broadcast. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson will step down as Republican leader following his party’s crushing midterm election defeat, his spokesperson confirmed.

Mr. Johnson, the highest-ranking Republican in the United States after President Donald Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance, is second in the line of presidential succession. Mr.