During a visit to Washington, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, expressed Ukraine’s stance of not yielding to Russian demands or compromising on core values to achieve peace amid ongoing conflict.
Responding to inquiries following remarks by US Presidential candidate Donald Trump suggesting swift resolution of the conflict, Yermak reiterated Kyiv’s commitment to fundamental principles. “We are not prepared to compromise on vital matters such as independence, freedom, democracy, territorial integrity, and sovereignty,” he stated.
Yermak’s visit coincided with preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Washington, where Ukraine is anticipated to be a focal point of discussions. Trump, in a recent debate with President Joe Biden, proposed resolving the Ukraine war expediently if re-elected, although details of his strategy remain unspecified. Reuters reported that Trump’s advisors had presented a plan involving leverage on US assistance to prompt negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.
Despite Trump’s assertions during the debate that he would not accept Russian President Vladimir Putin’s terms for ending the conflict, which include ceding control of disputed regions in eastern and southern Ukraine, Yermak expressed uncertainty about Trump’s approach. “Honest answer: I don’t know. Let’s see,” he remarked regarding Ukraine’s assessment of Trump’s potential handling of the war.
Yermak affirmed Ukraine’s intent to advocate for continued US support, highlighting bipartisan backing in Washington and ongoing public support among Americans throughout the two-year conflict. “It will be a decision of the American people. We will respect this choice,” he commented in anticipation of the November 5 Presidential election.
The United States has been a significant provider of military aid to Ukraine since 2022, totalling more than $50 billion. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced plans for over $2.3 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine, highlighting continued US commitment amidst escalating tensions.
