During his visit to Washington as part of the Ukrainian delegation led by First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held meetings to strengthen support for Ukraine.
In particular, he met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
They discussed the situation on the frontline and the need to enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
The parties also discussed the meetings in Istanbul, the future negotiation process, prisoner exchanges, and the importance of returning all hostages and children abducted by Russia.
Andriy Yermak emphasized that Ukraine is doing everything possible to achieve a sustainable and just peace and is willing to agree to a ceasefire. However, the Russian Federation doesn’t want this, which makes stricter sanctions necessary. The proposals of the Ukrainian side align with the vision of U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration and are also supported by European partners.
“Russia is doing everything to prevent a ceasefire. And this must be ended through force, because Ukraine has done everything to stop the war,” said the Head of the Presidential Office.
Additionally, Andriy Yermak and Yuliia Svyrydenko met with the Co-Chairs of the Ukraine Caucus in the U.S. Congress: Marcy Kaptur, Mike Quigley, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Joe Wilson, as well as with Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Brian Mast.
During the meetings, it was highlighted that Ukraine and the United States share the same values, so it is important for Ukraine to maintain support within American society.
Ahead of this, the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine also met with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg and U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
In discussions with Keith Kellogg, they covered the situation on the battlefield, the outcomes of the Istanbul talks, and the need to strengthen sanctions against the Russian Federation.
Special attention was given to the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Ukraine handed over to the Russian side a list of several hundred Ukrainian children illegally deported to the Russian Federation and is awaiting a response.
During the meeting with Steve Witkoff, they discussed the track of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul.
Andriy Yermak noted that the Russian representatives are stalling and manipulating the negotiations to avoid a ceasefire, which is why U.S. support in pressuring Russia is crucial.
Speaking to the media at the Ukrainian Embassy following the visit, the Head of the Presidential Office stressed that there is no political will in the Russian Federation to end the war. Ukraine, meanwhile, will do everything to achieve a just and sustainable peace.
“Do not doubt that Ukraine is capable of victory. Today, we are defending not only ourselves but all of Europe and the free world,” he noted.
Andriy Yermak thanked the President of the United States, both parties and chambers of Congress, and the American people for all their efforts toward establishing a just and lasting peace.