Washington, DC – Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sverdenko concluded a high-level diplomatic visit to the United States. She described the results of her meetings with senior US officials as “very positive.” These moves come as Kyiv seeks to secure sustainable financial and political support to address growing economic and military challenges.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters published Friday morning, Sverdenko revealed the substance of her talks on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
She specifically mentioned her meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bisent. She also confirmed that she sensed strong support and a deep understanding of Ukrainian interests from him.
She said: “The discussion was very friendly, and Secretary Bisent was very encouraging; I believe he is defending our interests at this critical juncture.”
A united front against sanctions circumvention
The Prime Minister explained that the issue of sanctions was a prominent topic at the negotiating table. She emphasized that the US administration fully understands the need to close the loopholes exploited by Moscow.
She added, “All our counterparts here in the United States are fully aware that preventing the circumvention of sanctions and enhancing their effectiveness are crucial measures for weakening Russia’s capabilities and undermining its war machine.”
Reconstruction: From Planning to Implementation
Despite fading hopes for a swift peace agreement following last month’s Florida talks, Sverdenko emphasized that bilateral relations between Washington and Kyiv had witnessed a “qualitative leap” over the past year.
This was tangibly demonstrated by the Reconstruction Investment Fund, which moved from the stage of promises to actual implementation. The fund approved its first project last month.
The Ukrainian official also revealed plans to approve a second major energy project this summer. This reflects a long-term American commitment to rehabilitating critical infrastructure.
Breakthrough with the International Monetary Fund
On the financial front, Sverdenko delivered reassuring news regarding the $8 billion loan granted to Ukraine by the International Monetary Fund last February. She noted significant progress in the technical discussions and announced that the IMF would send an official mission to Kyiv in May to finalize the procedures. The Prime Minister concluded her remarks on a distinctly optimistic note, saying, “My initial impression after two days of meetings is that the situation has changed; the atmosphere is now much more positive and constructive than in previous meetings.”
This shift in tone reflects a shared desire to overcome the political impasse. Furthermore, there is a focus on economic support as a crucial pillar for strengthening the resilience of the Ukrainian state in the face of ongoing pressures.
