President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a video meeting with a group of more than 20 U.S. senators and congressmen representing the Democratic and Republican parties.
During the talk, the situation in eastern Ukraine and on the borders of our state was discussed. It was noted that the situation remains difficult, the disengagement of Russian forces is not observed. The President briefed U.S. lawmakers on the steps being taken to achieve peace within the existing negotiating formats – the Normandy, Trilateral Contact Group and the Minsk Process.
The importance of involving the United States in the peace process was stressed.
"Now, more than ever, it is not words that matter, but decisive action. My goal is to stop the bloodshed in eastern Ukraine. It is impossible to imagine security in Europe without ending the war in Donbas," Zelenskyy said.
The issue of increasing sanctions pressure on Russia and Ukrainian-U.S. cooperation in the security sphere was raised separately.
The important role of the Congress in expanding the support of the defense sector of our state was noted.
It was emphasized that support of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations by the United States and gaining an understanding of the prospects for NATO membership are important.
"No agreements on Ukraine without Ukraine. No third country cannot get a say on Ukraine's integration into NATO," the President said.
During the meeting, the issues of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline were discussed separately. The risks of this geopolitical project, which is an energy weapon against our country and the entire European continent, were noted.
During the conversation, U.S. lawmakers expressed unanimous support for the Crimea Platform initiative and stressed their continued support for Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity.
Zelenskyy briefed senators and congressmen on progress in land, banking and judicial reforms, and the struggle against the oligarchic system.
The President invited U.S. lawmakers to visit Ukraine next year.