Volodymyr Zelensky wins fresh US sanctions and military aid in Washington

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington and emerged satisfied after securing broad political backing for tougher sanctions against Russia and additional military assistance. Senators on Capitol Hill voted overwhelmingly to advance legislation imposing new sanctions on entities buying Russian oil, a move described by Republican Senator Mike Rounds as “aimed at bringing Putin to the negotiating table.”

Zelensky also pressed for increased access to advanced weapons systems, including Patriot batteries and PAC‑3 interceptors, and for unhindered use of the Starlink satellite network. His message resonated across party lines, with Republican Senator John Boozman noting that “the dynamic changed because of their successes on the battlefield.” The visit marked a stark contrast to Zelensky’s earlier, less successful Washington trip a year earlier.