Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for stronger sanctions against Russia and additional air defense support during a meeting with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and James Lankford in Kyiv on Aug. 23, according to the Ukrainian president’s official website. The meeting followed the National Prayer Breakfast and took place on Ukraine’s National Flag Day, ahead of the country’s Independence Day. Zelenskyy thanked the senators for visiting and urged the swift passage of legislation previously advanced by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Zelenskyy said increased sanctions were needed to pressure Russia to end the war through diplomacy. He also thanked U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration for efforts aimed at achieving peace. The Ukrainian president said Russia had intensified missile attacks on agricultural facilities and critical infrastructure. He said Ukraine needed additional interceptor missiles to prepare for winter and protect essential services, adding that officials were working to secure licenses for domestic production of missiles for Patriot air defense systems. Post navigation Zelenskyy Urges Continued Support for Ukraine Zelenskyy Seeks Urgent Winter Support