By Alperen Aktas
ISTANBUL (AA) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the visit of US senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal to Kyiv, saying their presence comes at a pivotal moment when international coordination is urgently needed to achieve “an honorable and lasting peace.”
“I am grateful that you are in Ukraine precisely when coordination of efforts is most needed,” Zelenskyy said following the meeting on Friday, describing it as “a good discussion” focused on joint efforts to resist Russian aggression and advance peace talks.
He accused Moscow of abusing diplomacy while preparing new offensives and rejecting ceasefire offers, warning that “additional pressure is needed.”
Zelenskyy voiced support for a bipartisan sanctions bill backed by 82 US senators, calling it a key tool to “force Russia into peace.”
The Ukrainian leader also emphasized Washington’s role in future talks. “It is the United States’ real involvement at every stage of the negotiations that can guarantee a reliable peace,” he said.
The meeting took place as preparations continue for the second round of Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul, where Kyiv insists that Moscow must first submit its ceasefire proposal in accordance with earlier agreements.