ISTANBUL 

Top officials from Washington and Kyiv discussed strengthening Russia sanctions because of the Ukraine war during talks in the US capital.

Ukraine’s Presidential Office announced that the head of the agency, Andriy Yermak, held talks with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington.

Yermak and Sullivan focused on the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine, it said, indicating that Yermak underlined the importance of the US’ support for Kyiv’s “victory plan” and the strengthening of its military.

It also said special attention was given to increasing sanctions on Russia, to which Yermak expressed that restrictions on Moscow should deprive it of opportunities to gather funds to finance the war.

The strengthening of sanctions against Russia, as well as further enhancing Ukraine's defensive potential, were also considered during a separate meeting between Yermak and Blinken, according to a statement.

“During the meeting, the parties engaged in a thorough discussion of the Victory Plan, the frontline situation, and the frozen Russian assets,” it said.

It added that attention was given to Kyiv’s progress toward membership in NATO and steps necessary to achieve that goal.

“Ukraine's movement towards NATO membership remains our strategic priority,” Yermak said on Telegram, adding that he and Blinken also talked about US support for his country’s energy system in the fall and winter months.​​​​​​​