MOSCOW, November 6. /TASS/. A Democratic victory in the US midterm elections will not lead to a deterioration in relations with Russia or the imposition of new sanctions over the next two years, Jennifer Kavanagh, a senior fellow and director of the Military Analysis Department at the Defense Priorities think tank, said during a discussion at the Valdai International Discussion Club.

According to the expert, relations between Russia and the US are unlikely to either improve or deteriorate over the next two years. She noted that this is not an important issue for US voters. However, Kavanagh pointed out that the existing status quo is beneficial as it will pave the way for future improvement.

She also pointed out that US President Donald Trump has two more years to develop relations with Russia. Speaking of the US leader’s potential plans, the expert said that new sanctions or increased funding for Ukraine were unlikely, which would allow relations between Moscow and Washington to remain unchanged. According to Kavanagh, there still is a chance that the situation will improve, as Trump, for instance, is still inclined to achieve peace in Ukraine. However, it might be more difficult for him to secure a peace deal at this point.

The US held its midterm elections on November 3. The main races were for one-third of the Senate and the entire House of Representatives, as well as for governors in 36 states and territories. Elections were also held for local government offices. Currently, both chambers of Congress are controlled by Republicans. The 120th Congress, formed based on the election results, will begin work on January 3, 2027. Democrats will hold majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.