Fitzpatrick Visits Ukraine, Meets With President Zelenskyy

KYIV, UKRAINE ? At a pivotal moment in Ukraine?s fight for freedom and global democratic stability, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the Ukraine Caucus, conducted a high-stakes visit to Ukraine last week, including time on the front lines and a series of high-level meetings with the nation?s top civilian and military leaders in Kyiv.

Fitzpatrick?s multi-day mission included time embedded with Ukraine?s National Guard Artillery and the elite Third Assault Brigade ? a frontline combat unit specializing in advanced drone warfare. In formerly Russian-occupied territory, he received detailed battlefield briefings, evaluated active combat scenarios, and stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainian special forces under live artillery fire. Surveying the devastation left behind by Putin?s war machine, Fitzpatrick called the area ?the most brutal war zone I?ve seen in my life.

?I came to see this war not through reports, but through the eyes of those risking everything to defend freedom,? said Fitzpatrick. ?The Ukrainian soldiers are not just protecting their homeland ? they are holding the line for the entire democratic world. This is a defining moment. Their courage must be met with action, not applause. The outcome of this war will shape the future of global democracy, and the United States must lead with clarity and purpose. There can be no half-measures in the defense of liberty. This is about peace through strength ? and that?s what America must always stand for.?

Just days before Fitzpatrick?s arrival, a Russian missile strike on Palm Sunday killed more than 30 civilians ? including children ? inside a house of worship. That attack, launched during a ceasefire which Ukraine has agreed to, has underscored the urgency of coordinated international action and the importance of standing unequivocally against Putin?s reign of terror, said the Congressman.

In Kyiv, Congressman Fitzpatrick met one-on-one with President Zelenskyy to discuss strategic priorities for securing Ukraine?s victory, advancing a dignified and lasting peace, the U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire, and long-term security guarantees. Fitzpatrick said the meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment: Ukraine will not stand alone, and Russian aggression will not go unanswered.

Fitzpatrick also convened with Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk to advance bilateral legislative coordination and accelerate efforts supporting Ukraine?s democratic and military resilience.

Speaker Stefanchuk expressed deep appreciation for the Congressman?s ongoing leadership: ?I sincerely thank Congressman Fitzpatrick for his support. Thank you for everything you have already done and for all that you will continue to do for Ukraine. It is of tremendous importance, and I want to assure you that your efforts truly matter to our nation. I would also like to appeal: please do everything necessary to ensure that justice prevails in Ukraine ? for only then can it prevail throughout the world. We are fighting for fundamental values and principles, and for us, this is a matter of the utmost significance.?

?Peace through strength is not just a doctrine ? it is a responsibility,? Fitzpatrick said. ?Putin fears peace because peace demands justice, and justice exposes his regime for what it is: a criminal empire built on fear, lies, and violence. There can be no lasting peace that rewards aggression or legitimizes terror. The outcome in Ukraine will shape the future of global democracy ? and the free world must rise to meet this moment with unity and resolve.?

Fitzpatrick urged his fellow lawmakers to travel to the frontlines themselves to fully grasp the urgency and moral weight of this moment. He called on allies across the free world to abandon hesitation, reject half-measures, and stand unequivocally in defense of freedom.

Oleksandra Ustinova, a member of Ukrainian Parliament, chair of the Parliamentary Special Commission on Arms Control, and advisor to the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, praised the Congressman?s frontline courage.

?It was so great to see Congressman Fitzpatrick to travel to the dangerous frontlines to see with his own eyes the situation there. You cannot imagine the gratitude of soldiers and their eyes when he stood next to them while artillery was being fired at him. They felt that support not just in statements but with him risking his life next to them. Congressman Fitzpatrick?s actions mean more than a thousand words, and we are grateful for his tremendous courage and support for Ukraine in our fight for independence and freedom.?

With Honor Co-Founder and CEO Rye Barcott added: ?With Honor Action has been fiercely committed to the bipartisan fight for democracy in Ukraine since the illegal Russian invasion in 2022. We are delighted to be with Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus and one of the most bipartisan Members of Congress, on this important trip to the frontlines.?