American senators Richard Blumenthal and Jim Himes concluded their visit to Kyiv, summarizing their meetings with Ukrainian leadership. They emphasized that Russia does not have the advantage in the war, and Ukraine’s victory is possible if provided with the necessary means for defense and offense.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Support for Ukraine and List of Priority Needs
Richard Blumenthal, who has visited the Ukrainian capital for the tenth time since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, stressed the importance of providing Kyiv with modern weapons. He outlined the key requests from the Ukrainian side, including long-range strike systems, artillery, HIMARS systems, ATACMS missiles, tanks, F-16 fighter jets, as well as various munitions. The senator particularly highlighted the need for air defense systems, which, according to him, have become critically important amid the escalation of attacks from Russia.
“What we have heard over the last few days only reinforces my belief that Ukraine is indeed moving towards victory. And we will return to the United States with a list of tasks – just as I have done after each of my trips here: long-range strike systems, artillery, HIMARS, ATACMS, tanks, F-16s – all types of munitions that are needed… We will consider it our mission upon our return to ensure that Ukraine has these means,” Blumenthal emphasized.
Blumenthal also noted Ukraine’s technological development, which, according to the senator, helps not only the Ukrainian military but also the U.S. Armed Forces in their confrontation with Iran.
Sanctions and Russia’s Losses
Senator Blumenthal, co-author of a bill with Republican Lindsey Graham to impose secondary sanctions on Russia’s trade partners, promised to make every effort to pass it. He emphasized that without revenue from oil exports, Russia would not be able to finance its aggression for long, and significant personnel losses further weaken its positions on the front. Estimates suggest that monthly losses for the Russian army reach 30,000 troops, and the price of advancement is approximately 200 lives for every kilometer of the front line.
During the congressmen’s visit, there was a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, who stressed Ukraine’s urgent need for anti-ballistic missiles to strengthen air defense. According to information provided to the media, in an official letter to the U.S. President and Congress, Ukraine reported a growing shortage of systems to intercept ballistic missiles. The Ukrainian side is almost entirely dependent on American PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems in this area of defense.
Senior Republican Congressman Joe Wilson emphasized Ukraine’s role as a key partner for the U.S. in confronting common threats and reminded of the importance of air defense for saving civilian lives and effectively combating terrorism. At the time of publication, White House representatives had not commented on the latest appeal from Kyiv, and some congressmen had yet to review the letter.