In Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with United States Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, representing the U.S. Republican and Democratic parties.
The key topics of the meeting included a U.S. legislative initiative to strengthen sanctions against Russia, coordination of diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, and the development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and the United States.
The Head of State thanked both chambers and parties of Congress, as well as all American people, for their steadfast support of Ukraine. He also expressed particular gratitude to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, for his efforts to bring the war to an end.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked the U.S. senators for visiting the site of the missile strike in Kyiv, where, on the night of April 24, Russia killed 13 people. The President emphasized that Ukraine values this gesture of support and solidarity.
They discussed the meeting in Istanbul and its sole outcome that Russia did not block – an exchange of prisoners. The President noted that Ukraine remains ready for constructive negotiations, but the Russian side cannot even define the agenda of the meeting planned for June 2 in Istanbul. Russia shows a desire for peace only in statements, while instead preparing for new offensive operations.
At the same time, Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal emphasized that Russian propaganda is trying to impose on the world the idea of Russia’s successes on the battlefield, but this does not reflect reality, and Ukraine continues to stand strong in its fight against the aggressor.
Particular attention was paid to increasing pressure on Russia. Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended the bill introduced by Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal to impose new sanctions against Russia and called on the U.S. Senate to consider it. According to the Head of State, it is important to strengthen sanctions targeting the energy and banking sectors, as well as to lower the price cap on Russian oil to USD 30. In addition, the President emphasized the need to introduce secondary sanctions against companies that help the Russian Federation circumvent existing restrictions.
Other important topics included strengthening Ukraine’s air defense to protect civilians from constant Russian missile and drone attacks, and the possibility of using funds from frozen Russian assets.
Special emphasis was placed on the return of Ukrainian children who have been deported or forcibly transferred by Russia. The President thanked the United States for its support and stressed that Ukraine will continue to bring home all deported children and all Ukrainian civilians who have been abducted by Russian occupiers.
The parties also discussed the Agreement on the Establishment of the U.S. – Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is proposing the conclusion of free trade and defense cooperation agreements with the United States, which, together with the agreement on the investment fund, will strengthen bilateral relations and promote greater trade between the two countries.