During a working visit to the United States as part of the Ukrainian delegation headed by First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak held a series of meetings with members of both houses of the U.S. Congress.
In particular, Andriy Yermak met with representatives of the Ukraine Caucus in the House of Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Mike Quigley, Gregory Meeks and Congressman Tom Kean. The Head of the President's Office congratulated the congressmen on the election of the new Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson.
In addition, a meeting was held with representatives of the Senate Ukraine Caucus Lindsey Graham, Jeanne Shaheen, Amy Klobuchar, Dick Durbin, Roger Wicker, and Senators Michael Bennett and Tim Kaine.
Andriy Yermak also met with Senate Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senators John Cornyn, Tom Cotton, Marco Rubio, Susan Collins and John Hoeven.
The Head of the Presidential Office stated that each such meeting is another confirmation of the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States.
He expressed gratitude to both houses of the U.S. Congress, both parties and the entire American people for their strong support and unprecedented volume of assistance to our country in the fight against Russian aggression.
"We greatly appreciate the unity of both U.S. parties in supporting Ukraine. And we look forward to its preservation," said Andriy Yermak.
The Head of the President's Office emphasized the importance of immediate consideration of the budget request of the U.S. Presidential Administration on financing additional expenditures for the assistance to Ukraine.
At the same time, he assured that our country aims to move to independent production of the most needed military products. However, according to Andriy Yermak, Ukraine is currently confronting a new axis of evil consisting of Russia, Iran, and North Korea, so the continuation of assistance to our country is not only critically important for Ukraine, but also fully meets the national interests of the United States.
Among other things, Andriy Yermak spoke about the urgent needs of the defense forces, including long-range systems, artillery, ammunition, tanks and other armored vehicles. He also called for the adoption of appropriate legislation to continue the United States' assistance to Ukraine.
"The outcome on the battlefield in Ukraine will be crucial not only for the future security of Europe, but also for the security of all regions of the world. We are grateful to every taxpayer in the United States for the opportunity to continue our fight for freedom, we are grateful to you for your decisions and responsibility for the future of democracy on the planet," the Head of the Presidential Office said.
As emphasized by Andriy Yermak, given the approaching winter and the expected intensification of Russian missile terror, Ukraine needs to bolster its air defense.
"It is important to protect key Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure facilities, as well as the grain corridor routes," he said.
The parties also discussed Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration and the conclusion of agreements on security guarantees prior to full membership in NATO, as envisaged by the G7 Joint Declaration adopted in Vilnius.
Andriy Yermak praised the U.S. participation in the implementation of the Peace Formula and preparations for the first Global Peace Summit.
Particular attention was paid to the issue of confiscation of frozen Russian assets, which should become an important source of funding for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. The Head of the President's Office extended an invitation to representatives of the United States to take part in the next conference on Ukraine's recovery.
The issues of increasing sanctions pressure on the aggressor country and the return of illegally deported Ukrainian children were discussed.
"Thanks to you, members of Congress, the President of the United States and his team, and every American citizen, Ukrainian warriors are liberating our land from the occupiers. The sooner we win, the more lives we will save. And the less danger Russia will pose to Americans, Europeans and all people on the planet," the Head of the Presidential Office summarized.
