Ukrainian delegation to address US senators amid debate on new sanctions against Russia, says Politico

A Ukrainian delegation is set to brief U.S. senators Wednesday as lawmakers weigh a sweeping sanctions bill targeting Russia and its biggest energy customers, China and India, Politico writes.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal said in an interview that he organized the meeting with Sen. Lindsey Graham, and noted all 100 senators were invited to attend the closed-door session.

“It’s a pivotal moment in Ukraine — and crunch time for the Senate on this bill,” Blumenthal said.

The visiting delegation, he said, includes Andriy Yermak, a top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine’s deputy defense minister, Serhii Boyev, is traveling with Yermak.

The sanctions package from Blumenthal and Graham is designed to increase pressure on Russia’s wartime economy by targeting countries that buy oil and gas — a move Blumenthal said could be a “game changer.”

Blumenthal said the White House remains hesitant to support the sanctions bill, but the battlefield momentum could sway President Donald Trump and skeptical lawmakers.