Taking to X, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said: "I also had a good meeting with US Senators Graham and Blumenthal. I thank them for their support of Ukraine, their support for diplomacy, and their efforts to bring moral clarity to the situation.

"It was Russia that started this war. It is Russia that must stop the killings and the destruction of lives. It is very important that this is voiced in the media, in Congress, and in all the world’s influential offices.

"If Russia continues to speak in the language of ultimatums, if it tries to blackmail the world with the continuation of war, it must receive a strong response — a response from the United States, from Europe, and from everyone around the world who wants peace and who has declared their support for a ceasefire and for diplomacy."