Ukrainian delegation in Washington to push for arms deals, sanctions, and peace talks progress

A Ukrainian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak arrived in Washington on June 3 to discuss defense cooperation, sanctions on Russia, and follow-up to recent peace talks in Istanbul.

A Ukrainian delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, accompanied by Presidential Office chief Andriy Yermak, arrived in Washington on June 3, according to Yermak’s Telegram post.

The visit’s agenda includes defense support, the situation on the battlefield, and enhanced sanctions against Russia, particularly Senator Lindsey Graham’s proposed legislation. Discussions will also cover efforts to repatriate abducted Ukrainian children, U.S.-Ukraine cooperation on minerals, countering Russian propaganda targeting Ukrainian churches, and the recent peace talks held in Istanbul.

This trip follows President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s June 2 comments expressing Ukraine’s interest in securing defense agreements and a free trade deal with the United States. “We want to buy weapons. This agreement is not about gifts,” Zelenskyy said, noting he had raised the issue with President Donald Trump. With the Trump administration yet to approve any major new aid packages and previously allocated support dwindling, Kyiv is shifting toward direct military purchases from the U.S.

The delegation’s visit also comes after the second round of peace talks with Russia in Istanbul on June 2, which focused on a potential prisoner exchange but failed to yield broader progress. Zelenskyy has warned that, if the talks do not produce results, the U.S. and EU must respond with new, tougher sanctions. “If Istanbul brings nothing, then strong new sanctions must follow — from the EU’s 18th package and from the U.S., specifically those promised by President Trump,” he said.

Trump, speaking on May 28, stated that the U.S. would soon determine whether President Vladimir Putin is genuinely interested in ending the war, adding that Washington would “respond differently” if no progress is made. He noted he had not yet imposed new sanctions in hopes of brokering a peace deal but was prepared to act if Russia continues to stall.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate is expected this week to advance Senator Graham’s bill to impose 500% tariffs on imports from countries that purchase Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other goods.

Following the Istanbul meeting, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov criticized Russia for stalling and rejecting Kyiv’s long-term truce offer, instead suggesting a short two- to three-day ceasefire to retrieve fallen soldiers. Both sides, however, agreed to move forward with preparations for a new prisoner exchange involving up to 1,200 captives each.

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