Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a meeting with U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, who are visiting Ukraine.
Also present at the meeting were: U.S. Chargé d'Affaires ad interim to Ukraine, Julie Davis; Deputy Heads of the Office of the President, Pavlo Palisa and Ihor Brusylo; Advisor – Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, Vladyslav Vlasiuk; Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President and Chief Operating Officer of Bring Kids Back UA, Dariia Zarivna; and Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President, Oleksandr Bevz.
Andriy Yermak emphasized that Ukraine counts on continued support from U.S. President Donald Trump, both chambers and parties of Congress, and all American people.
"We are very grateful for what you have done and continue to do. Ukrainians will always remember your tremendous help and support. Despite all the challenges, Ukraine lives on, and we continue to fight the enemy. Visits like yours are important because you can see this with your own eyes," he noted.
The Head of the Office of the President expressed particular gratitude to the Senators for the bill on strengthening sanctions against Russia. It is important that the document envisions tougher restrictions not only against Russia, but also against any country that funds the war machine of the aggressor state.
Andriy Yermak also spoke about Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and sustainable peace. He stressed that the Ukrainian side has been waiting for more than two weeks to receive a draft of the so-called “memorandum” from the Russian Federation, which is supposed to reflect its position on a ceasefire. Vladimir Putin personally promised President Trump to send it immediately after their phone conversation. At the same time, Ukraine has already submitted its document with a list of proposals.
Pavlo Palisa informed the Senators about the current battlefield situation and the enemy’s potential offensive actions.
Dariia Zarivna spoke about the efforts to bring back Ukrainian children who were illegally deported and transferred by Russia. The senators had the opportunity to speak directly with children who had been returned from Russian deportation and to hear their personal stories.
Vladyslav Vlasiuk emphasized the importance of strengthening sanctions against Russia’s energy sector and lowering the price cap on Russian oil.
Ihor Brusylo called on the United States to impose sanctions on companies extracting minerals in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and highlighted the importance of increasing sanctions against the aggressor state.
“Your country is an inspiration to the entire world. Through your example, you remind all of us of what it takes to preserve freedom,” said Lindsey Graham.
“The United States of America will stand with you, and you must remain strong. Your fight is our fight – not only because we believe in freedom and independence, but because our national security is also at stake. That’s why we will continue to make every effort wherever it is needed,” stated Richard Blumenthal.