Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko said she left the United States with greater confidence in Washington’s support following positive talks with senior officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
In a comment to Reuters, she stressed that sanctions against Russia, imposed after the full-scale invasion four years ago, must not be weakened, lifted or delayed.
The United States had earlier temporarily eased some restrictions on Russian oil due to supply shortages caused by the war with Iran, but those sanctions are now back in force.
“I believe Secretary Bessent supports Ukraine,” Svyrydenko said, adding that the conversation had been “very friendly” and that American partners clearly understand the importance of strengthening sanctions to weaken Russia.
Last month, US and Ukrainian officials held talks in Florida. Ukraine insists on securing security guarantees before any peace settlement.
“I dream of this war ending, but with proper security guarantees, a recovery plan and prosperity. This would allow Ukrainians to live the lives they deserve, because they have fought so hard,” the Prime Minister emphasised.
She said she felt renewed support after two days of continuous meetings in Washington.
“During this visit, I felt that everyone was very supportive,” she noted.
Svyrydenko also said that relations between Ukraine and the United States had strengthened through joint work on the Reconstruction Investment Fund. The fund has already approved its first project and is expected to approve a second, in the energy sector, this summer. In total, more than 200 applications have been submitted.
There has also been progress in cooperation with the International Monetary Fund on the $8 billion loan approved in February, and she noted that an IMF mission will arrive in Kyiv in May. According to her, the Fund has shown flexibility given the difficult situation caused by ongoing Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.
Ukraine has also received a positive signal from the Group of Seven countries, which have pledged to continue support, including in preparations for the coming winter.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that political changes in Hungary would help unblock the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia, as well as a €90 billion loan previously held up by Budapest.
She also stressed that this could accelerate Ukraine’s European integration: “All Ukrainians feel part of the European family… now is the time to move faster towards EU membership.”