Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during an online meeting with US senators, emphasized the need for heightened pressure on Russia through expanded sanctions and additional air defense systems. He asserted that Kyiv perceives no intent from Russia to cease its aggression, as per a statement from his office.
According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy updated the senators on the current situation at the frontline, highlighting developments in Pokrovsk. He noted that October marked the highest personnel losses for Russia since the onset of the full-scale war. Despite these losses, he claimed that Moscow is continuing to bolster its military presence, even as morale among its forces wanes.
Expressing gratitude for the bipartisan support from the US, Zelenskyy acknowledged several initiatives under former President Donald Trump’s administration. He urged lawmakers to back legislation facilitating the use of frozen Russian assets and advocated for ‘secondary sanctions,’ particularly against the energy se
ctor.
Additionally, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s request for long-range weapons, such as Tomahawk missiles, to enhance its air defense capabilities. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal conveyed their efforts to promote bills on sanctions and the designation of “Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism” contingent on the return of abducted Ukrainian children.
The meeting also acknowledged personal contributions from US first lady Melania Trump, with Zelenskyy noting that families had sent her a letter of thanks. The senators reaffirmed their continued support for Ukraine, praising the resilience of its citizens.
Among those present in the call were Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic senators Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal, Amy Klobuchar, Sheldon Whitehouse, Michael Bennet, Adam Schiff, and Richard Durbin.