Ruslan Stefanchuk discussed strengthening support for Ukraine and sanction pressure on russia with members of the US Congress
27 May 2026, 18:26
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk met with US Senator Richard Blumenthal, Co-Chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and Congressman Jim Haimes, Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
During the meeting, Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked the American partners for their personal leadership and bipartisan support for Ukraine, emphasising the importance of keeping Ukraine among the key priorities of the US Congress.
The parties discussed the peace process, increasing pressure on russia, security guarantees for Ukraine, and further defence assistance. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine emphasised that Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire along the current front lines, however, it has fundamental red lines: Ukraine will not agree on any territorial compromises to the aggressor.
Particular attention during the meeting was paid to strengthening the Ukrainian air defence. In particular, it was considered the need of Patriot systems and missiles, interceptors for NASAMS, as well as ensuring the stable operation of the PURL initiative to counter russian missile terror.
Ruslan Stefanchuk also raised the issue of further sanctions pressure on russia. According to him, the kremlin must be deprived of access to high-tech components and oil revenues, as these are effective instruments for forcing the aggressor to negotiate.
Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasised that Ukraine is already ready to contribute to the security of its partners by sharing combat experience, technologies, and defence solutions tested under wartime conditions.
“I am grateful to the United States for its strategic partnership, and to our friends in Congress for their understanding that supporting Ukraine today is an investment in the long-term containment of russia, European security, and the resilience of democracies,” Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed.