Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with US Senator Richard Blumenthal and US Representative Jim Himes, the Office of the President reports. The meeting took place against the backdrop of Russia’s terrorist attack on Kyiv, in which Russia used its full range of high-speed weapons, including Kalibr and Iskander missiles, as well as the "Oreshnik".
These missiles can only be intercepted by American Patriot systems, of which Ukraine lacks sufficient numbers.
“Thank you for coming these days, difficult days, after a massive attack. Thank you for your bipartisan support. We are very grateful to the United States, to the President and to the Congress of the United States,” he said.
Zelenskyy noted that he had sent a letter to the White House and the US Congress outlining Ukraine’s need for anti-ballistic missiles amid intensified Russian strikes. Both the timely procurement and allocation of these missiles, primarily through the PURL program, as well as accelerated deliveries, are critically important.
"Russia is not winning," visiting lawmakers said
Blumenthal, returning to Kyiv after a February visit, said Russia is trying to convince the world it is winning.
"Russia is not winning. Russia is not going to win. Ukraine can prevail if we support Ukraine," he said, calling Putin's campaign "beyond cruelty."
Blumenthal also thanked Ukraine for the defense against Iranian missiles and drones.
“What you are teaching the world is so extraordinarily valuable, and we owe you,” he stated.
Himes, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, said US support, including intelligence assistance, would continue. Both lawmakers said Russia's strikes appear designed to intimidate foreign diplomats into leaving Kyiv, and that the attempts only hardened their resolve to keep a diplomatic presence in the capital.
Ukraine helped defend US bases, and is now negotiating Drone Deal
Zelenskyy used the meeting to underline that the support runs both ways. When US military bases in the Middle East needed help, he said, Ukraine immediately sent its teams to assist countries in the Middle East and, of course, American representatives there.
“We did this because we are truly friends and real partners, and we are ready to continue,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
Blumenthal thanked Ukraine for its defense against Iranian missiles and drones, saying Washington owes Ukraine for lessons in both technology and resilience.
Ukraine already has agreements under Drone Deal formats with Middle East partners and is working toward a Drone Deal with the US, Zelenskyy said.
Sanctions, diplomacy, and warning of Russian mobilization
Zelenskyy briefed lawmakers on the front lines and Ukraine's long-range strike campaign, arguing that Russia is taking heavy losses and is not winning militarily. He predicted that Russia would launch a large new mobilization.
"They are nervous, they are suffering heavy losses... Therefore, we need to show that we have weapons, support, funding, and that we are not alone," he said.
The discussion also covered tightening sanctions on Russia's oil and gas sector, with Zelenskyy insisting on no easing of pressure and no pause in diplomacy.
