Kyiv calls on the US to build a “reliable shield” over Ukraine. On 25 September, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a meeting with a bipartisan US Congressional delegation, emphasized that the country’s most urgent need is enhanced air defense.
Since Russia’s all-out war began, over 14,000 Ukrainian civilians, including hundreds of children, have been killed, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reports. More than 36,000 civilians have been injured, with numbers continuing to rise, particularly after the start of US President Donald Trump’s peace initiatives.
The US Congress can review a bill that would provide Ukraine with funding and air defense systems. To take effect, the legislation must pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate and be signed by US President Donald Trump.
Bipartisan support and key issues
The Congressional delegation, with Chris Coons, Mark Kelly, Richard Blumenthal, Joe Wilson, Gregory Meeks, and Young Kim, underscored the enduring bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine.
Their discussions with Zelenskyy focused on frontline needs and essential weaponry for Ukraine’s defense.
Other topics included:
- Support for a Ukrainian resolution condemning the abduction and deportation of children;
- Strengthening sanctions against Russia;
- Utilizing frozen Russian assets;
- Expanding US–Ukraine cooperation.
“Ukraine is deeply grateful for bipartisan support over all these years. We thank the American people and the President. This is immensely important for Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy said after the meeting.
Air defense can protect Europe, too
Earlier, Trump stated that Ukraine could reclaim all territories occupied by Russia over time, yet he has not imposed sanctions on Russia or provided new aid packages to Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Russia continues attacks not only on Ukraine but across Europe. On 10 September, 19 drones reached Poland from Ukraine. Only four of them were intercepted, despite deploying NATO’s top aircraft – F-16 and F-35 jets.