Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrapped up her Washington visit Thursday with renewed optimism about American support for her nation, following what she described as encouraging conversations with senior U.S. officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters during her trip for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank spring meetings, Svyrydenko emphasized her discussions with Bessent focused on maintaining strong sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine four years ago. She stressed these penalties should remain firm without any weakening or delays.
“I think Secretary Bessent stands with Ukraine and stands for Ukraine,” Svyrydenko stated during her sole media appearance while in the United States. “It was very friendly discussion, and he’s very supportive.”
The Prime Minister noted that American officials clearly recognize the importance of preventing sanctions evasion and strengthening existing measures to weaken Russia’s position. While Washington briefly eased some Russian oil sanctions during supply shortages from the Iran conflict, those restrictions have since been restored.
Despite recent diplomatic talks in Florida between U.S. and Ukrainian representatives about ending the conflict, prospects for a quick resolution appear limited. Ukraine continues demanding solid security assurances before accepting any peace agreement.
“I dream that this war will end, but it will end … with the proper security guarantees, the proper prosperity plan, with a proper plan for the reconstruction and the recovery,” Svyrydenko explained. “That would give the opportunity for Ukrainians to live the life that they deserve because they have been fighting so hard.”
The former economy minister highlighted strengthened U.S.-Ukraine relations through collaborative efforts on the U.S.-Ukrainian Reconstruction Investment Fund. This initiative approved its inaugural project last month and anticipates approving a second energy sector project this summer.
With over 200 applications submitted, Svyrydenko expressed hopes the fund could expand beyond its initial three-project annual target.
She also discussed advancement on an $8 billion IMF loan approved in February, noting an IMF staff mission will visit Kyiv in May. The international organization has shown understanding about Ukraine’s need for additional flexibility and willingness to provide support.
The IMF relaxed certain conditions in February after recognizing significantly worsened circumstances due to persistent Russian attacks that severely damaged Ukraine’s energy systems during winter months.
Following two days of continuous Washington meetings, Svyrydenko reported feeling reinvigorated support. “During this visit, I felt that everybody was very supportive,” she said, adding the atmosphere seemed more constructive than previous encounters.
Ukraine received additional encouragement from a Group of Seven finance ministers’ statement pledging continued assistance, including preparation for the upcoming winter season.
Svyrydenko expressed hope that recent Hungarian elections removing Prime Minister Viktor Orban could help advance a 20th European Union sanctions package against Russia and unlock a 90 billion euro EU loan that Hungary had previously blocked.
She believes these developments could also accelerate Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations. “All Ukrainians feel themselves like part of the EU family, and I think they deserve to be there. So now is the right time for us to move faster and to have the fast track for our EU integration,” Svyrydenko concluded.
