Russia hopes US poll shake-up won't shift Trump's negotiations on Ukraine

The Republicans' defeat in the US midterm elections was watched closely in Russia, where some observers are predicting it could herald more support for Ukraine when the Democrats take over Congress in January. But if the Kremlin is hearing the ticking of a clock on its nearly 5-year-old full-scale invasion of its neighbour, it seemingly remains unperturbed. Asked if the election's outcome could stymie US attempts to help negotiate a settlement between Moscow and Kyiv, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov voiced hope that US President Donald Trump will continue to pursue his peace efforts. "There is groundwork already in place, and another round of trilateral negotiations is set to take place very soon," Peskov said of talks planned for Tuesday and Wednesday involving Russian, Ukrainian and US representatives in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He also praised the "successful humanitarian peace-building efforts" by first lady Melania Trump, adding that "we hope that all of this will .