This week, a high-level Ukrainian delegation in Washington, D.C. shared serious concerns about Russia’s military intentions and pressured Moscow to agree to a ceasefire and peace talks.
The delegation pointed to successful drone strikes against Russian forces on Monday, advocating for increased U.S. military support and stricter sanctions against Russia to help bring an end to the conflict.
“I think it’s crucial now to communicate with Russia from a position of strength since that’s how they seem to respond,” one member said.
“That doesn’t mean Ukraine is shutting down negotiations, but Russia must approach these discussions with genuine political commitment,” Yermak added.
On Monday, Ukraine condemned Russia’s involvement in two recent meetings aimed at dictating conditions for peace that essentially demanded Ukraine’s surrender.
During a briefing at the Ukrainian embassy on Wednesday, the delegation shared details that echoed their discussions with senators. This included a two-minute video featuring drone footage of attacks on Russian troops, visuals outlining Russia’s planned offensives for later this year, and statistics showing Russia’s sluggish advances on the battlefield.
“The price for every square kilometer gained by Russia is the loss of 167 troops,” one member noted.
“That’s why Russia feels empowered to issue ultimatums, expecting us only to surrender,” they continued.
Parisa indicated that Russia aims to occupy the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk by September 1, also targeting the Kherson area and planning to establish a buffer zone by the end of 2025.
Currently, Ukrainian forces hold roughly 30% of the Kherson region after operations to reclaim territory in November 2022. Parisa added that renewed attacks on Ukraine’s southern coast, including Mykolaiv and Odesa, are expected by the end of 2026.
“You can see the situation clearly. Unfortunately, they’re not pursuing peace; they’re gearing up for war,” Parisa remarked.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump discussed a “good” call he had with Russian President Vladimir Putin but suggested it wouldn’t pave the way for peace. He mentioned that Putin warned of retaliatory measures regarding drone strikes in Ukraine.
Immediately after sharing details about his call with Putin, Trump referenced an article in the Washington Post concerning Senate legislation that would impose severe sanctions, including a 500% tariff on countries importing Russian oil, gas, uranium, and more.
This legislation has bipartisan support, co-sponsored by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). Graham expressed a desire to introduce exemptions for countries that provide substantial support to Ukraine, even if they maintain some economic relationships with Russia.
Vlady Slav Vlasiuk, Ukraine’s sanctions envoy, mentioned that the proposed sanctions could potentially cut Russia off from $600 billion in oil revenue, which would significantly impact the Kremlin’s wartime budget.
The delegation also met with various senators and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Capitol Hill. On Tuesday, they engaged with Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.
While in Washington, they stressed the need for enhanced U.S. military support, including requests for more air defense systems like Patriot missile systems and additional F-16 fighter jets, artillery, and armored vehicles.
Yermak highlighted the importance of continued military cooperation with the U.S., noting efforts to coordinate aid for nearly 50 countries backing Ukraine, despite Defense Secretary Pete Hegses skipping a recent meeting in Ramstein, Germany.
“We’ll clarify our needs in the next days. Here in Washington, we have the chance to convey what we require directly to the White House, the State Department, and Congress,” he stated.
