Ukraine PM reports positive US talks on sanctions

Yulia Svyrydenko has said she left the United States following what she described as “positive and supportive” talks with senior American officials, including US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as Ukraine continues its efforts to strengthen international backing amid its ongoing war with Russia.

Speaking after meetings in Washington during the spring gatherings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, Svyrydenko said discussions focused heavily on sanctions policy against Russia and the need to maintain pressure on Moscow following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

She stressed that Ukraine’s position remains that sanctions imposed after the outbreak of war should not be weakened, waived, or delayed, arguing that continued restrictions are essential to limiting Russia’s military and economic capacity.

Svyrydenko said Secretary Bessent had shown strong support for Ukraine, describing the talks as constructive and friendly. She emphasized that US officials understand the importance of preventing sanctions circumvention and strengthening enforcement mechanisms.

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The Ukrainian prime minister also noted that temporary adjustments to Russian oil sanctions had previously been made to address global supply disruptions linked to the Iran conflict, but said those measures have now been reversed.

Beyond sanctions, discussions also covered Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts and long-term economic recovery. She highlighted progress on a joint US-Ukrainian Reconstruction Investment Fund, which has already approved its first project and is expected to expand further in the coming months, particularly in the energy sector.

Svyrydenko added that cooperation with the International Monetary Fund has also improved, with ongoing discussions about an $8 billion loan program and potential flexibility in conditions due to wartime pressures.

She expressed cautious optimism about growing international alignment in support of Ukraine, noting that recent meetings with G7 finance officials reinforced commitments to continued assistance and winter recovery support.

The Ukrainian leader said the overall tone of her Washington visit reflected renewed constructive engagement, even as efforts to reach a broader peace settlement with Russia remain uncertain.