Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Ihor Brusylo, held a meeting with a delegation of senior staff of the U.S. Congress. Participants included the National Security Advisor to Senator Ruben Gallego; legislative directors and assistants to Representatives Pat Harrigan, Michael Guest, and Senator Chris Murphy, who is also Vice-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus; chiefs of staff to Representatives Rosa DeLauro, Young Kim, and Chrissy Houlahan; and representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Washington.
The discussions focused primarily on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense. Ihor Brusylo expressed gratitude for the latest allocation of USD 400 million to Ukraine in the U.S. 2026 defense budget. The meeting covered the possibility of using these funds to purchase missiles for Patriot systems, as well as the potential localization of air defense missile production in Ukraine.
They also discussed support for Ukraine’s energy resilience amid ongoing Russian attacks, as well as the use of American technology to prepare Ukraine’s energy system for the next winter.
Particular attention was given to continuing pressure on Russia through sanctions targeting the shadow fleet, banking institutions, and the crypto and nuclear sectors. Ihor Brusylo emphasized that Ukraine expects the sanctions bill to be adopted soon, which could become a significant tool to influence Russia.
In addition, Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations continue to consider the potential transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, as these would serve as a tangible means of deterring Russia.
“We value the work on the bill implementing the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (REPO) for Ukrainians Act. Frozen Russian assets, wherever they are in the world, must be used to support Ukraine’s recovery and repair the damage caused by the war,” he stressed.
The REPO Act, initiated by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and a bipartisan group of his colleagues, came into force in April 2024. It obliges the U.S. Department of the Treasury to identify nearly USD 5 billion in frozen Russian assets on U.S. territory, provides authority to seize them, and establishes a fund to support Ukraine.
In September 2025, several senators, including Sheldon Whitehouse, Jim Risch, and Lindsey Graham, introduced legislation to implement REPO, aiming to accelerate fund transfers and encourage allies to follow suit.
The parties also discussed progress in negotiations to achieve a dignified peace, security guarantees for Ukraine, and U.S. participation in Ukraine’s recovery. Delegation members noted that they would work to involve American companies, particularly in the energy sector, in the Ukraine Recovery Conference, scheduled to take place in Poland this year.
During their visit to Ukraine ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the U.S. delegation also visited Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipro, inspecting schools and IDP centers and speaking with Ukrainians. Ihor Brusylo emphasized the importance of supporting these Ukrainian cities to sustain community life and continue funding projects for underground schools and shelters.