Washington DC - US President Joe Biden emphasized his willingness to work with the Republicans, as votes continued to be counted in a handful of tight races across the country that will determine control of the US Congress.

Biden told reporters in a post-election press conference at the White House that he was willing to compromise on many issues, but warned that he would veto any Republican effort to ban abortion nationwide or undermine health care.

"And I want to be very clear: Under no circumstances will I support the proposal... to cut or make fundamental changes in Social Security and Medicare. That's not on the table. I will not do that," Biden said.

He added: "I will veto any attempt to pass a national ban on abortion. But I'm ready to compromise with the Republicans where it makes sense on many other issues. And I'll always put the needs and interests of the American people first."

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Biden also said that he hoped that the US would continue to support Ukraine regardless of the results of the midterm elections.

On Wednesday evening, it was still unclear whether Republicans would retake control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Biden said he believed his Democrats could still hold on to a majority in the lower house. "But it's going to be close," he added.