High-Level U.S-Ukraine Talks To Kick Off In Washington

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian Head of Presidential Administration Andriy Yermak at the State Department this morning, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

Yermak is currently visiting Washington as part of a high-level delegation led by Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, for talks on security, defense, economy, and "many other important topics," as officials put it.

The delegation will have meetings at the White House, Congress, think tanks, and other organizations.

President Zelensky's Peace Formula, strengthening Ukraine's defense, comprehensive cooperation and many other important topics will be on the agenda, according to the Ukrainian delegation.

On Saturday, prior to heading to Washington, Yermak held telephone conversations with the national security advisers of both the U.S. and the UK.

"Informed about the current situation in the hottest areas of the frontline, including defense operations and offensive actions of Ukrainian troops," he tweeted of his conversation with Jake Sullivan.

Washington talks also come as the Biden administration is pressing on Congress to approve direct budget support for Ukraine. President Joe Biden last month asked for $61.4 billion in assistance for Ukraine as a part of the broader $105-billion-dollar request. The package is yet to be approved.