President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with US Senator Robert Portman.
The parties discussed the political situation in Ukraine, in particular the early elections to the Verkhovna Rada. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the dissolution of the Parliament met the demands of society, and due to the holding of parliamentary elections in July, a new Government may be formed already in September.
"If we continued with this disabled Parliament, we would form the Government in December. We cannot wait. We have two wars: the war against Russia and the war against corruption inside the country, which is a threat, first and foremost, for the Ukrainian economy," the Head of State emphasized.
Another issue raised during the meeting concerned the situation in Donbas and steps necessary to achieve progress in peaceful settlement, especially in terms of ceasefire and exchange of hostages. Volodymyr Zelenskyy told that his first working visit had been to Luhansk region - to the military on the frontline.
He also separately noted the active position of the US Senate in imposing sanctions against Russia and providing Ukraine with military assistance. The parties emphasized the need for the further pressure on the Russian Federation aimed to ensure proper implementation of the Minsk agreements.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Senator Robert Portman also discussed topical issues of implementing reforms that should bring Ukraine closer to the EU and NATO.
In addition, the Head of State thanked for the support of the US Senate for Ukraine and the leadership of Robert Portman as co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus.