The President discussed with US senators the strengthening of sanctions against the Russian tanker fleet and energy support for Ukraine

The head of state emphasized that it is important for the United States to actively cooperate with the European Union not only in order to detain the tankers of the Russian shadow fleet, but also to confiscate the oil they transport. "We are very much counting on your decision, future decision. I hope that the Senate will support the sanctions bill. It is very important for us. We don't see so many tools how to influence Putin, how to pressure Russia, how to stop this war.

The number one tool is the sanctions policy," Volodymyr Zelenskyi said. The President of Ukraine and US senators also talked about the situation at the front and the process of negotiations to achieve a decent peace. The head of state informed about the preparation for the meeting of the negotiating teams in Geneva. In addition, it was about Russian strikes on American companies operating in Ukraine.

The parties condemned these attacks and emphasized that Russia should bear responsibility for the crimes of aggression. The President and American senators paid attention to energy support for Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyi thanked the US for the quick response to the needs of the Ukrainian energy sector. According to him, a meeting in the form of an energy "Ramstein" will be held in France this week, and Ukraine has a list of specific equipment needed to restore energy.

The use of frozen Russian assets for the needs of Ukraine was discussed separately. It would be expedient to direct them to the purchase of missiles for the Patriot complexes, which will be able to strengthen the air defense of Ukraine. Efforts to return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia were also discussed during the meeting. The head of state emphasized that Russia is holding thousands of kidnapped Ukrainian children, of which more than 1,800 have been returned home.

Volodymyr Zelenskyi added that the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children will hold meetings with partners in Brussels and the United States of America with the participation of the first lady of the United States. Richard Blumenthal informed about the meeting with Ukrainian children who were successfully returned from the Russian Federation, and emphasized that the United States should introduce additional sanctions against Russia and strengthen Ukraine's air defense.