Kyiv: A high-level Ukrainian delegation, led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, is set to visit Washington, D.C., this week to hold critical discussions aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defence capabilities and enhancing its energy resilience. The delegation’s visit comes amid intensifying Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and ongoing pressures on the battlefield.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, emphasized that the talks will not only focus on strengthening Ukraine’s defence posture but also seek expanded support from the United States to counter Moscow’s aggressive military operations. “The ultimate goal remains unchanged a just and lasting peace,” Yermak stated on social media, underscoring Ukraine’s commitment to a negotiated settlement backed by robust international assistance.
In addition to Prime Minister Svyrydenko and Yermak, the delegation includes Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council. The officials are expected to meet key U.S. policymakers to explore avenues for increased military aid, advanced defence systems, and energy security measures, which have become critical due to repeated attacks on power plants and infrastructure by Russian forces.
Another major agenda of the Washington talks will be advocating for stronger sanctions against Russia. Ukrainian leaders argue that heightened economic pressure is essential to bring Moscow to the negotiation table, ensuring that any peace settlement is sustainable and equitable.
The international community is closely monitoring these discussions, which are likely to have far-reaching implications for regional security and the broader geopolitical landscape. Enhanced U.S. support could significantly strengthen Ukraine’s resilience, both militarily and in terms of energy infrastructure, as the country navigates one of the most challenging phases of its conflict with Russia.
The Ukrainian delegation’s visit signals a continued commitment to forging strategic alliances, securing vital resources, and reinforcing Ukraine’s defensive and economic foundations during a period of heightened geopolitical tension.