On June 12, Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariana Betsa met with a delegation of American experts in national security and foreign policy who are visiting Ukraine.
As part of the visit, organised by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the delegation visited some of the frontline regions most affected by Russia’s ongoing aggression, specifically the Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions, to gain a deeper understanding of the scale of the humanitarian crisis caused by Russia’s aggression, as well as to familiarize themselves with the practical aspects of the assistance provided by UN agencies, including UNHCR, to affected Ukrainian communities.
“We appreciate the unwavering support of the American people and the Administration of the President of the United States Donald Trump in countering Russia’s aggression, as well as in addressing its devastating humanitarian consequences. I would also like to thank UNHCR, whose practical assistance gives hope to millions of Ukrainians who have lost their homes or found themselves in extremely difficult circumstances due to the barbaric attacks by the aggressor,” emphasised Mariana Betsa.
Deputy Minister briefed the U.S. side on developments on the frontline, Russia’s ongoing massive missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, and stressed Ukraine’s urgent need for additional air defence capabilities to strengthen the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure.
The parties held in-depth discussions on strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation, advancing the peace process, as well as intensifying sanctions pressure on Moscow, holding Russia accountable for all crimes committed against Ukraine, and ensuring compensation for the damages inflicted on Ukraine.
A separate topic of discussion was the humanitarian dimension of Russian aggression, in particular current humanitarian response needs, as well as efforts to secure the return of prisoners of war, civilians illegally detained by the Russian Federation, and forcibly deported Ukrainian children.
The Ukrainian side expressed deep gratitude to the First Lady of the United States Melania Trump for her sustained attention to the fate of abducted Ukrainian children and the support for international efforts aimed at restoring justice and reuniting children with their families.
Mariana Betsa also thanked American partners for allocating more than $155 million to support the implementation of UN humanitarian programs in Ukraine’s frontline regions.
The participants underscored the importance of further efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s security, increase international pressure on the aggressor state, and achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the UN Charter and international law.