Zelenskyy and Kellogg Discuss U.S. Military Aid, Sanctions on Russia
On July 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine General Keith Kellogg in Rome on the eve of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, to discuss defense cooperation, sanctions policy, and the prospects for renewed peace talks.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Zelenskyy’s post on social media platform X.
The talks focused on U.S. military assistance, particularly strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities amid intensified Russian missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure.
President Zelenskyy welcomed recent signals from Washington indicating the resumption of weapons deliveries, including Patriot missile systems, which Kyiv views as vital to protecting its cities.
He also stressed the importance of launching joint Ukrainian-American defense production projects, particularly in drone manufacturing, and expanding efforts to localize military production inside Ukraine.
In addition, Zelenskyy praised the bipartisan Graham-Blumenthal bill currently before the U.S. Congress, which proposes sweeping new sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector, banking system, and the so-called “shadow fleet” used to circumvent oil embargoes.
The bill also envisions secondary sanctions for entities purchasing Russian crude.
“We are hopeful for progress on the bill proposed by Senators Graham and Blumenthal in the U.S. Congress. This could certainly make Russia give greater thought to peace,” Zelenskyy said, underscoring the need for tougher enforcement mechanisms and broader international alignment.
Zelenskyy expressed full support for peace efforts backed by U.S. President Donald Trump. “We thank President Trump, both parties, and all American people for their support and assistance. We sincerely value the friendship between our nations,” he said.
Both Zelenskyy and Kellogg are scheduled to participate in the Ukraine Recovery Conference on July 10-11, where leaders from across the Euro-Atlantic community will gather to coordinate long-term reconstruction efforts.
As The Gaze reported earlier, Zelenskyy also met with Pope Leo XIV at the Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo