Weapons supply and sanctions: Zelenskyy shares details of meeting with US senators

"A good meeting with US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal. Grateful for their participation in the Recovery Conference and the inaugural meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. It’s important that the US has joined this format for the first time," Zelenskyy said.

According to him, strengthening air defense remains a top priority for Ukraine. He emphasized that Moscow is aiming to use up to a thousand drones in a single strike.

"That’s why it’s crucial to enhance protection, especially by investing in interceptor drones. We also discussed the continued supply of weapons from the US and joint arms production. We are open to different formats, including jointly with Europe to purchase a major defense package from the United States to protect lives," the president noted.

He added that he separately discussed with the senators additional sanctions against Russia and those supporting Moscow in its war against Ukraine.

"Undoubtedly, this is a tool that can bring peace closer and make diplomacy meaningful. Thank you for the meeting and for working together for peace and security," the Ukrainian leader concluded.

US sanctions bill against Russia

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced a sanctions bill in late April. According to Graham, US President Donald Trump supported the introduction of 500% tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil.

Later, Politico reported that the bill included exemptions for certain goods, specifically those related to humanitarian aid and US intelligence activities.

For more on what the bill entails and when the US Congress is expected to vote on it, see the full report by RBC-Ukraine.