President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with more than 60 U.S. senators at the Capitol to discuss the importance of tougher sanctions against Russia.

The Ukrainian President also briefed lawmakers on the situation on the battlefield, the scale of Russian losses, and the impact of Ukraine’s mid-range strike and deep-strike operations, which have been targeting Russian military logistics and defense industry facilities supporting Moscow’s war effort.

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine is currently facing the world’s most severe ballistic missile threat, describing ballistic missiles as Russia’s last major instrument of coercion in the war.

According to the President, Ukraine is now capable of intercepting 93% of Russian drones, but its defenses against ballistic missiles remain insufficient. He emphasized that once Ukraine gains the ability to neutralize Russia’s ballistic missile capability, the Kremlin will be forced to engage in meaningful negotiations.

“We have long discussed the possibility of producing Patriot interceptor missiles in Ukraine, and Ukraine is ready and capable of manufacturing them. I am grateful to President Trump and everyone in the United States who supports this idea. Let us make it happen as quickly as possible, without unnecessary bureaucracy,” Zelenskyy said.

The talks also focused extensively on sanctions and increasing pressure on Russia. Zelenskyy noted that this had been the central topic of his last meeting with the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

“I am convinced that strong legislation imposing sanctions and tariffs on those helping Russia and Iran profit from war will be the best way to honor Senator Graham’s commitment to human life and our shared values, as well as everyone who defends freedom and fundamental human values,” the President said.

Later that day, as Washington held a memorial ceremony for Senator Graham, the U.S. Senate voted on a procedural motion to advance the sanctions bill.

President Zelenskyy was present in the Senate chamber during the vote. The motion passed with the support of 86 senators, clearing the way for a final vote on the legislation.

If approved by the Senate, the bill will proceed to the U.S. House of Representatives before being sent to President Donald Trump for his signature. The legislation would authorize the White House to impose tougher restrictions on the largest purchasers of Russian energy exports, as well as on Iran. President Trump has already indicated that he supports the measure.