As part of the visit to the United States, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, together with Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk and Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, met with Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul, Chair of the House Intelligence Committee Mike Turner and Chair of the House Armed Services Committee Mike Rogers.
During the meeting, Andriy Yermak expressed gratitude to the participants for preparing a strategically important document outlining a clear set of steps by the United States for our country’s resistance to Russia: “Proposals for Ukraine's Victory Plan.” Among its priorities are the timely provision of arms to Ukraine in the proper quantity, strengthening sanctions and export controls over Russia, increased pressure on the G7 and the EU to transfer Russia's frozen sovereign assets to Ukraine, and a range of other critical measures.
The Head of the President's Office also expressed sincere gratitude to the U.S. Congress and the entire American people for the financial, humanitarian and defense assistance provided to Ukraine. In particular, defense assistance alone from the United States has already reached almost $45 billion.
The representatives of the Ukrainian delegation noted the leadership of the United States in strengthening Ukraine's capabilities, which inspires partners from other countries, including members of the European Union.
"We appreciate that both U.S. parties – Republican and Democratic – are united in their support for Ukraine. Bipartisan support is our core value, and we count on its preservation," said the Head of the Presidential Office.
During the meeting, Ruslan Stefanchuk and Andriy Yermak emphasized the importance of the Congress's prompt consideration of the budget request for additional funding of over $61 billion to aid Ukraine, which is vital for continuing the liberation of our lands from Russian invaders.
The parties also discussed Ukraine's urgent defense needs, particularly the reinforcement of air defense, increased supply of long-range missiles, artillery shells, tanks, and armored vehicles, as well as the transfer of F-16 aircraft to Ukraine.
The interlocutors touched upon the issue of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration. Andriy Yermak emphasized that full membership in the Alliance is a strategic goal of our country, and this accession will also strengthen NATO.
The Head of the President's Office and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also met with representatives of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus.
Ruslan Stefanchuk and Andriy Yermak said that despite the war, Ukraine is actively implementing reforms, including those envisaged by the IMF cooperation program. The Concept for Strengthening Democracy Resilience in Ukraine has already been developed. They also assured that one of the biggest priorities for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's team is the fight against corruption, as evidenced by the numerous proceedings initiated recently.
Andriy Yermak specifically highlighted the significant efforts directed towards confiscating Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction, particularly the support for a bill empowering the U.S. Department of Justice to expedite the confiscation of valuable assets belonging to sanctioned Russian oligarchs and transfer them to our country.
The Ukrainian side also highly appreciated the Senate's draft resolution on the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor in Ukraine in 1932-1933 – a genocide against Ukrainians.
The parties also discussed deepening cooperation with Ukrainian caucuses, involving new members, and expanding cooperation with other Congressional caucuses.