Ukraine is counting on an early decision by the U.S. Congress to provide financial and military assistance, since its absence limits the ability of the Ukrainian army to defend itself and prepare a new counter-offensive, Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak has said.

"The Europeans have already voted for EUR 50 billion [for Ukraine]. The decision of the Congress is also crucial for us. It is important that this happens now, under these circumstances, when aid [from the United States] has subsided a little. We are holding positions, but this is very difficult. And, naturally, this does not give us the opportunity to prepare for a new counter-offensive, because our formula for success is to not stop. And we have shown this over the course of two years of war," Yermak said during talking to reporters at the President's Office on Friday.

At the same time, he said Ukraine all this time continued to dialogue with U.S. colleagues and explain how important U.S. support is against the backdrop of Russian aggression.

"And yesterday we saw that the first steps took place [from the United States]. We hope that the next steps will be taken as soon as possible," the head of the Presidential Office said.

He also once again emphasized that the Ukrainian Defense Forces need long-range weapons and air defense systems.

"You have seen how successfully we use them. It is very important to continue to protect our land," Yermak said.

"But I am an optimist. I believe that very soon we will hear good news from Washington, as we did from Brussels," he said.

As reported, on February 8, the upper house of the U.S. Congress supported a procedural vote for a bill on joint assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan worth $95 billion.

In particular, the bill includes $60 billion to support Ukraine.