Zelenskyy: New sanctions package against Russia was not discussed in talks

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine continues to expect a new U.S. sanctions package against Russia, even though visiting American representatives did not raise the issue during their talks in Kyiv.

Speaking at a joint news conference with the U.S. president's special envoys, Zelenskyy praised Lindsey Graham's efforts and said Ukraine hoped Washington would respond positively. “Ukraine, of course, expects that the excellent work and efforts Lindsey has made, as a great friend of Ukraine, will receive a positive response from the United States. And, of course, we expect these sanctions, this sanctions package,” he said.

The Ukrainian president said earlier meetings had provided positive signals about the package and that Ukraine had been waiting for a vote. But he stressed that the sanctions issue was not connected to the current visit. “The U.S. representatives did not raise this issue today, and we did not discuss it with them,” Zelenskyy said. “I am absolutely convinced that this is not related to our meeting.”

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Ukraine, of course, expects that the excellent work and efforts Lindsey has made, as a great friend of Ukraine, will receive a positive response from the United States. And, of course, we expect these sanctions, this sanctions package.

He said the purpose of the U.S. delegation's visit was to restart the negotiation process. Zelenskyy also expressed doubt that Russia wanted anything other than occupation, while emphasizing the need to continue diplomatic efforts.

According to Ukrinform, the U.S. Senate approved on Aug. 7 a bill prepared by Graham on sanctions against Russia and Iran. The legislation was sent to the House, and Senator Richard Blumenthal said he hoped the House would approve it in September.

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The U.S. representatives did not raise this issue today, and we did not discuss it with them. I am absolutely convinced that this is not related to our meeting.