The Head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, held a series of important negotiations with Western partners regarding security guarantees for Ukraine. In particular, he spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and organized a video call with national security advisors from the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and France.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Discussion of Security Guarantees for Ukraine
During the conversation with Marco Rubio, Yermak informed the American side about the ongoing attacks by Russia on Ukrainian cities, residential areas, as well as the use of drones and missiles against civilian infrastructure. Special attention was given to the recent Iskander missile strike on the building of the Ukrainian government.
“We also discussed security guarantees, defense support for Ukraine, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and coordinating actions with partners. Putin understands only strength; he does not want to stop the war, and we must continue to apply pressure on the Russian Federation,” Yermak wrote on Telegram.
During the video conference with national security advisors from leading European countries, Yermak emphasized that this dialogue is a continuation of the “Coalition of the Willing” meeting held in Paris on September 4. According to him, a roadmap for security guarantees has already been agreed upon, covering both political and military aspects. Against the backdrop of intensified missile and drone attacks by Russia, especially after the first missile strike on a government building with an Iskander missile since the start of the war, Ukraine insists on further strengthening its defense capabilities.
Support for Ukraine and Sanctions Policy
Yermak stressed that the priority remains additional support for Ukraine, primarily in the area of air defense, as well as strengthening international sanctions against the Russian Federation. During negotiations with partners, practical steps were discussed to implement these objectives.
Over the weekend, Russia carried out the largest air attack on Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, while simultaneously continuing pressure along the front lines. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump announced readiness to move to the second stage of sanctions against Russia, although no details have been disclosed yet.
The American president emphasizes the need to stop the war, calling on both sides to compromise. At the same time, significant differences remain between Ukraine and Russia regarding territories and the format of security guarantees after the cessation of hostilities.
The U.S. administration explains its caution in imposing new sanctions due to concerns that this could lead to Russia withdrawing from the negotiation process and prolonging the war. The discussion of security guarantees for Ukraine is also complicated by Washington’s position on its commitments and the Kremlin’s resolute opposition to the deployment of Western forces on Ukrainian territory.