Rome: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with U.S. lawmakers in Rome on Wednesday to rally fresh support for his war-torn nation, as Ukraine faces a renewed wave of Russian drone and missile attacks. In a high-stakes diplomatic push, Zelenskiy sat down with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal to discuss military supplies, sanctions on Russia, and strategic defense partnerships. The discussions came at a crucial moment, following one of the heaviest bombardments of Kyiv and surrounding regions since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
The Ukrainian president emphasized the growing need for advanced air defense systems to counter increasingly frequent Russian drone assaults. He revealed that Russia had recently launched an unprecedented barrage of nearly 400 drones and 18 missiles in a single night, overwhelming local defenses and killing civilians. Zelenskiy underlined the importance of interceptor drones, which he said are becoming a vital tool as Russian attacks grow more technologically sophisticated and indiscriminate. Germany and Norway have stepped in with commitments to fund additional Patriot missile systems, while the U.S. has resumed weapons deliveries following a temporary interruption.
Alongside defense, Zelenskiy strongly advocated for the imposition of severe new sanctions targeting Russia’s financial enablers. He expressed support for a bipartisan proposal in the U.S. Senate that would impose a 500% tariff on imports from countries still purchasing Russian energy including oil, natural gas, and uranium. The aim is to economically isolate Moscow and force an end to its capacity to sustain the war. Senator Blumenthal described the bill as “a direct blow to Putin’s war chest,” while Senator Graham stated bluntly that nations still buying Russian energy are "bankrolling bloodshed."
Zelenskiy’s meeting also coincided with the Ukraine Recovery Conference being held in Rome, where global leaders pledged more than €10 billion toward rebuilding Ukraine’s shattered infrastructure. While grateful for the support, Zelenskiy reminded international donors that humanitarian aid and reconstruction plans are meaningless without peace and security. He stressed that Ukraine’s children are growing up under missile fire, and entire towns are being wiped off the map. Without sustained international pressure, including stronger economic penalties against Russia and increased military backing, Zelenskiy warned that diplomatic efforts will remain ineffective.
The Ukrainian leader also drew attention to the broader social and demographic toll the war is taking. Ukraine is facing a 35% decline in its birthrate, mass displacement of families, and the destruction of educational and healthcare institutions. Millions of children now live without access to clean water, basic schooling, or medical care. Zelenskiy argued that investing in Ukraine’s defense and social systems is the only path to ensure the country’s long-term survival. He appealed to the moral responsibility of international leaders, urging them to not just defend democracy, but also the lives of those suffering under constant attack.
As the war grinds into its third year, Zelenskiy’s message in Rome was both urgent and resolute. The road to peace, he said, requires more than hope it demands action. Ukraine, he concluded, will continue to resist, but its ability to endure depends heavily on the solidarity and strength of its allies. “This is not just a fight for Ukraine,” he said, “but a test of the world’s will to stand against tyranny and protect the innocent.”