October 17, 2025

RAZOM FOR UKRAINE: KEEPING THE PRESSURE ON PUTIN IS THE ONLY PATH TO PEACE 

Washington, D.C. — As President Trump concludes his meeting with President Zelenskyy and prepares to meet again with Putin, Razom for Ukraine urges the Trump administration to make Russia feel the full weight of American resolve. 

“President Trump’s support for Ukraine in recent weeks has led to the best chance yet at peace. But Putin talks peace while his army bombs Ukrainian cities and steals Ukrainian children. This cannot continue,” said Mykola Murskyj, Advocacy Director at Razom for Ukraine.

Secretary of War Hegseth was absolutely right when he said, “You get [peace] when you have real capabilities that adversaries respect.” Congressional leaders and the American people agree. Speaker Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Thune have said that sanctions on Russia are long overdue. New polling found that 73% of Republicans and 72% of Democrats want the U.S. to arm Ukraine and sanction Russia. 

Over the past year, Ukraine racked up impressive achievements on the battlefield, regaining previously occupied territory and crippling Russia’s oil production. Meanwhile, Putin continues to make vague promises of negotiation that amount to nothing and only serve to stall for time. Now is the time to capitalize on Ukraine’s successes, not give in to Russian delay tactics.

“Putin doesn’t want peace — he wants permission,” said Murskyj. “Putin doesn’t need another photo op; he needs to end his invasion.” Because Russia wants war, peace can only be achieved by arming Ukraine to the teeth, imposing crippling sanctions on Russia’s economy, and showing American might. Only through strength can President Trump parlay his success in the Middle East into sustained peace in Europe.

For more information or to request an interview, please contact Ostap Yarysh, Media Advisor at Razom, ostap.yarysh@razom.org

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Razom (“Together” in Ukrainian) is a U.S. nonprofit providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and a leading advocate for continued U.S. assistance to Ukraine.