Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko concluded her visit to the United States on Thursday, feeling encouraged by what she described as positive discussions with senior US officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. She stated that Bessent holds a supportive stance towards war-torn Ukraine.
During her meeting with Bessent, Svyrydenko clearly reiterated Ukraine's position: sanctions imposed on Russia following its full-scale invasion four years ago should not be weakened, exempted, or delayed.
The US had temporarily lifted some sanctions on Russian oil to alleviate supply shortages caused by the war involving Iran, although those sanctions have since been reinstated.
"I believe Secretary Bessent is on Ukraine's side and supports Ukraine," Svyrydenko said during her only media interview while in the US for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring Meetings.
"The atmosphere of the talks was very friendly, and he offered strong support," she added. "I think all relevant officials on the American side understand very clearly that preventing sanctions evasion and strengthening sanctions are extremely critical measures for weakening Russia's capabilities."
Last month, US and Ukrainian officials held talks in Florida to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but hopes for an early agreement have diminished. Ukraine insists that security guarantees must be obtained before signing any peace deal.
"I hope for this conflict to end, but its conclusion requires proper security guarantees, a reasonable plan for prosperity and development, and a comprehensive program for reconstruction and recovery," Svyrydenko stated. "This is what will enable the Ukrainian people to live the life they deserve, given the blood they have shed in fighting."
Bilateral relations between Ukraine and the US have deepened over the past year through the co-established US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, according to Svyrydenko. The fund approved its first project last month and is expected to approve a second project in the energy sector this summer.
The Prime Minister, a former Economy Minister, expressed her hope that the fund would expand and approve more than the initially planned three projects for this year, mentioning that over 200 applications have already been received.
Svyrydenko also noted progress in Ukraine's engagement with the IMF regarding an $8 billion loan approved in February, with an IMF mission scheduled to visit Kyiv in May. She said the Fund understands that Ukraine requires greater flexibility in certain areas and is prepared to offer support.
This winter, continued Russian attacks severely damaged Ukraine's energy infrastructure, significantly worsening the domestic situation, which led the IMF to relax some loan conditions in February.
Overall, she said she felt a renewed wave of support following two days of intensive talks in Washington. "During this visit, I sensed strong support from all sides."
"After two days of meetings, my first impression is that the situation has changed," she added, pointing out that the atmosphere in the discussions was more constructive compared to previous occasions.
A statement released after the G7 finance ministers' meeting also provided a boost for Ukraine, with member countries pledging continued assistance, including help preparing for the next winter.
Svyrydenko mentioned that the outcome of the Hungarian election, which resulted in the removal of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, offers Ukraine an opportunity to advance the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia and unlock a previously blocked €90 billion ($105 billion) EU loan that had been obstructed by Hungary.
She described this as positive news for Ukraine's "irreversible" EU accession process. "All Ukrainians see themselves as part of the European family, and I believe we deserve to join. Therefore, now is the best time for us to accelerate our pace and initiate a fast-track accession process."