The President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelensky, spoke with the Secretary of State of the United States, Antony Blinken, on issues related to defense assistance, financial support and security guarantees that Ukraine needs after being invaded militarily by Russia.
These were the central questions of the interview that Zelensky held this Sunday in Kyiv with Blinken and the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, the Ukrainian president’s press service reported on Monday.
Zelensky handed over to the US side an action plan to strengthen sanctions against the Russian Federation drawn up by the international group of experts Yermak-McFaul, which was created at the initiative of the Ukrainian president himself.
In particular, this plan proposes the expansion of sanctions against Russia that include oil and gas, transportation, new prohibitions in the financial area and more restrictions on the activity of Russian state companies.
It is also proposed to recognize Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
“We appreciate the unprecedented assistance from the United States to Ukraine. I would like to thank President (Joe) Biden personally and on behalf of the entire Ukrainian people for his leadership in supporting Ukraine, for his clear personal position,” Zelensky said in his note.
He also thanked the “American people, as well as the (US) Congress for their bicameral and bipartisan support. We see it. We are sorry,” he stressed.
The head of state noted that the $3.4 billion support already provided by the United States is the largest contribution to strengthening Ukraine‘s defense capabilities.
According to the president, “this assistance has already helped bring Ukraine ‘s defense capabilities to a qualitatively new level, which is extremely important for Ukrainian troops defending the homeland on the front lines.”
The note explains that the meeting paid special attention to the sanctions policy, which must be further strengthened and become an important element of influence over the aggressor.
“We understand what the next steps on this path should be. And we count on the support of our partners,” Zelensky added in the statement.
Discussing ways to increase financial support to Ukraine, both to promote the economy and rebuild the country, the President of Ukraine noted the need to expand opportunities for Ukrainian products to reach the US market.
The parties also discussed the peace process and the prospects for strengthening the coalition against the war. Ukraine sees the United States as the leader of the future guarantors of our country’s security, she stressed.
