Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for European Integration, Oleksandr Balanutsa, held negotiations with a bipartisan delegation of the U.S. Congress during their visit to Kyiv. The U.S. delegation was led by members of the U.S. House of Representatives from the Democratic Party, Donald Norcross and Jimmy Panetta, and from the Republican Party, Celeste Maloy.

The Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine thanked the Congress members for their support of Ukraine and the values defended by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The main topic of the meeting was the discussion of further U.S. assistance and its formats, including military, financial, and political support. On behalf of the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Oleksandr Balanutsa expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from the U.S. Congress.

«The fact that we can hold negotiations with you today in Ukraine is thanks, in part, to the support of the United States. I thank you and the American people for the assistance provided. Every piece of ammunition supplied plays a crucial role in our struggle. When we request something, we understand the real application algorithm and the results that the necessary weapons can bring», – Oleksandr Balanutsa stated.

The Deputy Minister of Defense also emphasized the importance of U.S. permission to strike military targets on Russian territory and noted that after the enemy's attack on the children's hospital «Okhmatdyt», there should be no questions about escalation.

An additional topic of discussion was the reforms that Ukraine continues to implement despite the challenges of wartime. These efforts reflect a steadfast commitment to becoming part of the EU and NATO, making organizational measures inevitable.

«This visit allows us to better understand the reality in which Ukrainians have lived for the past years. What we have seen here cannot be compared to the news on CNN, ABC, or Fox News. We will continue to provide assistance until a just peace prevails», – stated U.S. House Representative from the Democratic Party, Donald Norcross.