Zelensky meets with delegation of U.S. senators

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with a delegation of the U.S. Congress to discuss steps to deter Russian aggression.

According to Ukrinform, Zelensky announced this on Instagram.

"During a meeting with a delegation of U.S. senators, we discussed possible steps to deter Russian aggression," the head of state wrote.

During the conversation, Zelensky thanked the United States for its military aid to Ukraine.

According to the president's website, the U.S. congressional delegation included senators Robert Portman, Chris Murphy, Jeanne Shaheen, Amy Klobuchar, Richard Blumenthal and Roger Wicker.

Zelensky thanked the United States Congress for its solidarity with the people of Ukraine against the backdrop of current security challenges.

"It is very important for Ukraine, for our people, that you are with us today. This testifies to the constant bicameral, bipartisan support for our state, as well as its sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

Zelensky informed the U.S. senators about the security situation around Ukraine and steps that would contribute to de-escalation and prevent further Russian aggression. He also noted the important role of the Congress in supporting Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations and deepening cooperation between the two countries.

"We feel and receive effective assistance in the field of security in such a difficult time, a time of aggression by the Russian Federation," Zelensky said.

During the conversation, a unanimous position was expressed that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is a challenge to the energy security of Ukraine and Europe as a whole.

Zelensky stated the need to prepare a preventive package of sanctions against Russia to counter aggression.

Separately, the president noted that Russia continues to conduct an active campaign to issue Russian passports to the population living in the temporarily occupied territories, seeking to create a pretext for escalation under the guise of "protecting Russian citizens."

Topical issues of political life in Ukraine were also raised at the meeting.

The U.S. senators expressed their unanimous support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, stressing the full and indisputable right of Ukraine to independently choose paths to ensure its own security.

Earlier reports said that the U.S. congressional delegation arrived in Ukraine on January 17 to reaffirm the United States' bipartisan support for the sovereignty and territory integrity of Ukraine and democratic reforms in the country.

Photo: President's Office

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