New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has thanked US President Donald Trump for signing a new law imposing tougher measures against Russia and Iran, while remembering the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s consistent call for maintaining pressure on Moscow.
In a social media post, Zelenskyy recalled Graham’s visits to Ukraine and said the US senator had repeatedly stressed the importance of keeping sanctions pressure on Russia rather than easing it. According to Zelenskyy, Graham had also advocated measures targeting Russian oil purchases, financial dealings involving Moscow and business relationships involving Russian companies linked to the ongoing war.
Zelenskyy described the legislation signed by Trump as an important step and expressed gratitude to members of both chambers of the US Congress who supported the measure.
The Ukrainian president said that ensuring the law is implemented quickly and comprehensively would be an appropriate way of honouring Graham’s memory. He also linked the continuation of pressure on Russia with efforts to bring the conflict to an end and establish lasting peace.
Zelenskyy further thanked those supporting Ukraine and defending what he described as the need to protect human life amid the ongoing war.
His remarks came after Trump signed the legislation, which carries Graham’s name and introduces additional measures concerning Russia and Iran. The development has been welcomed by Kyiv as part of continued international efforts to increase economic and diplomatic pressure on Moscow.
Zelenskyy concluded his message by reiterating his view that peace requires security and determination, while expressing appreciation for the United States and others supporting Ukraine.
