Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba spoke by phone with Chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Robert Menendez.

Robert Menendez shared the United States Senate deep concern regarding the recent buildup of Russian military forces on Ukraine’s borders and the threats to our nation and Europe posed by Moscow's current actions.

The Minister informed the United States Senator about the present security situation in the zone of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict as well as along the Ukrainian state border. He also drew attention to the illegal actions of the Russian Federation in the Azov-Black Sea area, the militarization of the temporarily occupied Crimea and the surrounding seas.

The Committee Chairman stated that this unprovoked Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is absolutely unacceptable to the United States and the civilized world, and reassured that any further stage of Russia’s aggressive actions will entail heavy consequences for Moscow. Robert Menendez praised Ukraine's balanced and wise response to Russia's attempts to provoke an escalation.

Dmytro Kuleba emphasized that Ukraine highly values the long-standing bipartisan support of Ukraine in the United States Congress. It is of particular significance for strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, reform agenda, democratic institutions and energy independence of our state.

Robert Menendez reaffirmed the United States unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as readiness of the Senate to continue providing further strong support for its strategic partner, especially in the face of dangerous Russia's escalation.

Finally, he said that expected the Ukraine Security Partnership Act approval by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee the next. The bill proposes an increase of annual military assistance, including procurement of lethal weapons.