McConnell said in a statement Saturday evening the delegation “just left” Ukraine and called it an “honor” to meet with Zelensky and his senior advisers. McConnell was joined on the unannounced trip by Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, John Barrasso of Wyoming and John Cornyn of Texas.
McConnell and the other senators became the latest US officials to visit Ukraine since Russia invaded the eastern European nation in late February.
The Kentucky Republican said in the statement the delegation “reaffirmed” to Zelensky “that the United States stands squarely behind Ukraine and will sustain our support until Ukraine wins this war. It is also essential that America not stand alone.”
He continued: “It is squarely in our national interest to help Ukraine achieve victory in this war and to help Ukraine and other countries deter other wars of aggression before they start.”
In his nightly address Saturday, Zelensky said he discussed US support for Ukraine and tightening sanctions on Russia with the delegation.
“I believe that this visit once again demonstrates the strength of bipartisan support for our state, the strength of ties between the Ukrainian and American nations,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president added that he “expressed gratitude for the historic decision to renew the Lend Lease program” during the GOP delegation’s visit.
Zelensky said earlier Saturday on his Instagram account the GOP delegation visit was “a strong signal of bipartisan support for Ukraine from the United States Congress and the American people.”
He added on Instagram: “Thank you for your leadership in helping us in our struggle not only for our country, but also for democratic values and freedoms. We really appreciate it.”
A statement posted on Zelensky’s official website following the meeting with the GOP senators noted the Ukrainian leader “expressed hope that the US Senate will promptly approve a package of additional funding to support the Ukrainian people.”
This story has been updated with additional details.
CNN’s Daniella Diaz contributed to this report.