Alperen Aktas
30 May 2025•Update: 30 May 2025
ISTANBUL
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the visit of US senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal to Kyiv, saying their presence comes at a pivotal moment when international coordination is urgently needed to achieve “an honorable and lasting peace.”
“I am grateful that you are in Ukraine precisely when coordination of efforts is most needed,” Zelenskyy said following the meeting on Friday, describing it as “a good discussion” focused on joint efforts to resist Russian aggression and advance peace talks.
He accused Moscow of abusing diplomacy while preparing new offensives and rejecting ceasefire offers, warning that “additional pressure is needed.”
Zelenskyy voiced support for a bipartisan sanctions bill backed by 82 US senators, calling it a key tool to “force Russia into peace.”
The Ukrainian leader also emphasized Washington’s role in future talks. “It is the United States’ real involvement at every stage of the negotiations that can guarantee a reliable peace,” he said.
Separately, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal also held a meeting with a bipartisan US Senate delegation, urging tighter sanctions on Russia.
Shmyhal said he thanked the senators for introducing a new sanctions bill in Congress and highlighted the importance of seizing frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
“We are grateful to the US President, Congress and the American people for their extensive and significant support to Ukraine in the fight for democratic values and freedom,” he said on X.
He added that Ukraine is seeking stronger economic cooperation with the US, particularly in light of the ongoing war and reconstruction needs.
The meetings took place as preparations continue for the second round of Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul, where Kyiv insists that Moscow must first submit its memorandum outlining key principles for a settlement.
