Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko met with a delegation from the Atlantic Council, a leading U.S. think tank on international relations. The delegation included John Herbst, William Taylor, Daniel Fried, Jörn Fleck, and Shelby Magid.

The parties discussed progress in the peace process, strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, and increasing sanctions pressure on Russia.

Olexandr Mischenko reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on international law. The Ukrainian diplomat emphasized the importance of the U.S. as a security guarantor and stressed the need for effective, legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine. He also outlined Ukraine’s priority defense needs, in particular, strengthening air defense and developing long-range capabilities.

The discussion also focused on sustaining broad U.S. support – particularly from Congress, the American people, civil society, and academic and expert communities – for further tightening sanctions against Russia’s energy and financial sectors.

“Ukraine is committed to achieving a just and lasting peace grounded in international law and clear security guarantees. Only sustained pressure on the aggressor and the preservation of unity among our partners can compel Russia to take genuine steps toward peace,” Olexandr Mischenko underlined.

The Deputy Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude to the Atlantic Council team for their active support of Ukraine and for consistently strengthening Ukraine’s standing within leading expert and policy circles in the United States.