On September 22, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky began his visit to New York with an important meeting with US senators. During this meeting, he thanked American lawmakers for their bipartisan support for Ukraine and for voting on the sanctions bill initiated by Lindsey Graham.
Discussion on Sanctions Against Russia
Zelensky emphasized the importance of strengthening sanctions against Russia, which have become a key element in Ukraine's struggle for independence. He noted that the implementation of the sanctions bill would be a significant step towards achieving peace and guaranteed security for Ukraine. The president also expressed hope that joint efforts with American partners would aid in realizing these goals.
Ukraine's Defense Needs
During the meeting, Zelensky discussed Ukraine's needs for ballistic missile interception systems, particularly American Patriot systems. He stressed that these systems are currently irreplaceable and that their availability is critical for protecting Ukrainian cities from Russian attacks. Zelensky pointed out that the more anti-ballistic defense Ukraine possesses, the less capability Russia will have to continue strikes and prolong the war.
Challenges Ahead of Winter
Zelensky also raised the issue of challenges that Ukraine will face during the winter period. He called for closer cooperation between Ukrainian and American teams to address these challenges. The president emphasized the importance of international support during this difficult time, as winter could significantly impact security and stability in Ukraine.