Ukrainian president, US officials discuss further assistance to Kyiv

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the provision of further assistance to Kyiv with a delegation of the House of Representatives of the US Congress from the Republican Party.

"Bicameral and bipartisan support from the United States, President (Joe) Biden, and the entire American people played a decisive role in our country's ability to resist Russia in the war for our freedom and democratic values," Zelenskyy said, according to a statement by the Ukrainian presidency late Monday.

The statement said that Zelenskyy thanked the delegation led by head of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Mike Turner for Washington’s powerful assistance to Ukraine.

"We will win because we are fighting for our freedom and the freedom of our children. And we highly appreciate the help you provide us - not only to our army, but also political and financial support to the Ukrainian people: teachers, medical workers, pensioners," Zelenskyy further said.

The delegation was informed about the situation on the front line.

- Meeting with Pompeo

Separately, Zelenskyy also met with a delegation of politicians, businessmen and representatives of charitable organizations, led by former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

"Unfortunately, the war has been going on for over a year now, and we are glad that the United States is standing by and fighting with us for common goals. We feel both bipartisan support and support from the White House," said a statement published by the Ukrainian presidency on Tuesday.

The statement said that Zelenskyy invited American businesses to actively invest in Ukraine.

"Invest in business, because business is what creates jobs. We are interested in the fact that people can find work, and the budget receives revenue to strengthen our capabilities on the battlefield," Zelenskyy further said, according to the statement.

It added that a number of other topical issues were also discussed, including Ukraine's accession process to NATO, and the importance of further strengthening sanctions and pressure on Russia.

“Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the activities of American charitable organizations, whose representatives attended the meeting, which focused on helping displaced persons, rebuilding the destroyed housing stock, providing medical assistance, providing drinking water and food to those who need it most,” the statement concluded.