Zelenskyy, U.S. senators discuss air defense, weapons production, and sanctions on Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S.
senators during the Ukraine Recovery Conference and a session of the so-called
Coalition of the Willing — the first time American representatives have taken
part in the group, according
to the president’s office.
Zelenskyy thanked the senators for attending both the
conference and the coalition meeting, which also included Keith Kellogg, the
U.S. president’s special envoy for Ukraine. This marked the inaugural
participation of U.S. officials in the coalition’s discussions.
Zelenskyy stressed that strengthening Ukraine’s air defense
is now the country’s top priority. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia
is preparing to launch future strikes using as many as 1,000 drones in a single
wave. Ukraine has already developed an effective response — interceptor drones
— making investment in their production a key objective, he said.
The meeting also focused on the continued supply of U.S.
weapons and the possibility of joint arms production. Zelenskyy confirmed that
Ukraine is prepared to purchase a large defense package from the United States.
One of the central issues discussed was tightening sanctions
against Russia, which, despite heavy losses, shows no willingness to end its
aggression against Ukraine.
Zelenskyy thanked the senators for a bipartisan sanctions
bill aimed at increasing pressure on Russia — legislation that has already
gained the support of 85 senators. He expressed confidence that its passage
would become “a powerful lever of influence” on the Kremlin and force the
aggressor state to engage in genuine negotiations. He added that the bill would
also pressure those who continue to aid Russia in waging its war of conquest.
The two sides also discussed the importance of maintaining
U.S.–European unity in confronting the Russian threat.
Zelenskyy took a moment to congratulate Senator Lindsey
Graham on his birthday and gifted him a book about Ukrainian children who have
endured the war. In return, Graham handed Zelenskyy a printed copy of the
proposed sanctions bill.
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