President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on July 29th that during his visit to Washington, he informed U.S. President Donald Trump and American senators about Ukraine’s need for missile defense systems and interceptor missiles.
He conveyed this in comments to the press following a meeting with American senators, as reported by a Suspilne correspondent.
The President expressed gratitude for the discussion, which he described as detailed and focused on Ukraine. He highlighted the importance of the draft law aimed at intensifying sanctions pressure on Russia.
“This is not just about money, but about how to end this war. It’s a significant signal to Europe, a significant signal to Ukraine. Great support for our people. I am very grateful,” Zelenskyy declared after the meeting at the U.S. Capitol.
Zelenskyy informed journalists that Ukraine possesses drones capable of neutralizing Iranian and Russian-made unmanned aerial vehicles, but requires more weaponry for defense against ballistic missiles.
“We have everything, from electronic warfare systems to drone interception capabilities. The real challenge lies in anti-missile systems and means to combat ballistic missiles. And, naturally, I communicated our needs,” he added.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, held a closed-door meeting with senators from both the Republican and Democratic parties of the USA ahead of the Senate’s vote on Senator Lindsey Graham’s draft law concerning sanctions against Russia.
Updated at 7:35 AM:
As Zelenskyy later announced on social media, over 60 senators were present at the meeting with representatives from both parties in the Senate.
“Thank you for this support and for the high appraisal of our fighters’ achievements on the front lines, as well as for recognizing Ukraine’s capacity to respond adequately to Russia’s strikes against our people. We discussed many issues, primarily—missile defense. Thank you for your readiness to assist,” the president wrote.
Commenting on the procedural vote regarding the draft law to impose sanctions on Russia, which the late Senator Lindsey Graham had been working on, Zelenskyy added that it was “an honor to be present during the vote count.”
“86 senators supported this draft law. This is the first step towards realizing Lindsey’s plans and, undoubtedly, a step towards peace. It is important that this instrument functions,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
On July 28th, Zelenskyy arrived in the USA, where he met with U.S. President Donald Trump. The leaders discussed strategic cooperation and continued support for Ukraine amidst the Russian war.
Prior to this, Zelenskyy visited Great Britain for a meeting with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and also met with Ukrainian soldiers currently in Britain who had participated in exercises like Sea Breeze.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held their first meeting aboard the aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth.
During the meeting with Zelenskyy, Burnham announced that Great Britain would provide Ukraine with electronic warfare technology designed to shield drones from detection and engagement by Russian air defense systems.
What is known about Graham’s law
The draft legislation was developed by Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal, but it has a total of 119 co-sponsors among congress members—both Democrats and Republicans—who support Ukraine.
The draft law underwent two revisions. Firstly, prior to Graham’s passing on July 11th, senators, in agreement with the White House, softened some of its provisions. The initial draft allowed for the imposition of duties on over 60 countries, whereas the current document focuses solely on the five principal importers of oil and the five importers of natural gas. The original version also proposed 500% tariffs on countries importing Russian oil and gas, while the version agreed upon by the U.S. President stipulates a tariff rate ranging from 0% to 100%, with the final decision on determining specific tariff rates for each individual country to be made by the U.S. Trade Representative.
Following Graham’s death, Trump, citing the late senator’s wishes, requested the inclusion of sanctions against Iran and the “military wing” of Hezbollah in the document.
Source: suspilne.media