Air defenses for Ukraine, sanctions on Russia: Zelensky meets with U.S. House delegation

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has met with the delegation of the House of Representatives of U.S. Congress to discuss the issue of receiving from the United States the necessary number of air defense systems and strengthening sanction pressure on Russia.

Praising the visit of congressmen Mike Turner, James Himes, and Eric Swalwell, the head of state noted it is “especially important today, when Russia increased its terror against peaceful cities and civilian infrastructure, hitting them with missiles and Iranian drones,” the president's press service reports.

“This is a bold step that demonstrates strong bicameral and bipartisan support for Ukraine. It confirms that the United States is our strategic partner,” the President noted.

Volodymyr Zelensky briefed the members of the House of Representatives on the situation on the frontline and the priority needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He praised the support of U.S. Congress, President of the United States, his Administration, and the entire American people. At the same time, the head of state called for increasing aid in order to bring peace closer.

Separately, Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of transferring air defense systems to our country in the necessary quantity to create an air shield over our country, which should protect the civilian population and critical infrastructure facilities. Such systems would become an important element of security guarantees for our state.

During the meeting, the issues of Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine and security guarantees for our state were discussed. The parties agreed on the inadmissibility of nuclear blackmail by the Russian leadership.

The interlocutors exchanged views on the strengthening of sanction pressure on the aggressor country, which is of particular importance in view of the terrorist attacks carried out by Russia in recent weeks on the civilian population and civilian objects in our country. The President separately noted that the world should designate Russia as a terrorist state.

Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of proper preparation of Ukraine for winter and the need for prompt restoration of the energy infrastructure that was destroyed. He expressed hope that the United States would take an active part in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

The members of the House of Representatives assured the president of the unwavering support for Ukraine by the United States and emphasized the importance of restoring the territorial integrity of our state.

Separately, the results of the July visit of the First Lady of Ukraine to the U.S. and her speech in Congress were positively noted, as it contributed to the spread of information about the crimes of the Russian occupiers in Ukraine.