Newsletters
Ukrainian Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak said Monday he held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security advisors from the U.K., Germany, Italy, and France on defense support, security guarantees, and stronger sanctions against Russia.
Yermak said the video call with European partners followed a Sept. 4 meeting of the “coalition of the willing” in Paris, where coordination of “a clear system of security guarantees for Ukraine” was discussed. He added that “the developments have already been prepared in both the political and military parts.”
“Against the backdrop of intensified missile and drone attacks by the Russians on Ukraine, including the first strike during the war on the government building with an Iskander missile, further strengthening of Ukraine’s positions in countering Russian aggression is needed,” Yermak wrote on Telegram.
He stressed that this meant “additional support for Ukraine, particularly our air defense, and strengthening sanctions against Russia.” He said he discussed with partners “the next practical steps and measures in these areas.”
Yermak also said he briefed Rubio on “constant strikes by the Russians, who are attacking our cities, residential buildings, with drones and missiles.”
Russian President Vladimir “Putin understands only force, does not want to stop the war, (so) pressure on Russia must continue,” Yermak added. “A stable peace is our goal, which we must achieve.” He thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his “leadership in striving to end Russia’s war against Ukraine” and praised Rubio for “doing a lot to achieve a just peace.”
Meanwhile, Trump expressed frustration with the war, saying he was “not happy with anything” as Russia launched its largest aerial assault since the invasion began.
According to The Hill, Trump told reporters Sunday at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland: “I believe we’re going to get it settled. I’m not happy with anything having to do with that war.”
He insisted there was “no leader tougher than himself” on Putin and said he would continue efforts to end the war. Trump also pointed to “very interesting talks” underway on possible peace agreements, with European leaders expected in Washington this week.
On Sunday, Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 747 of 810 drones and four of 13 missiles launched in separate strikes. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote on X that Kyiv’s government building had been damaged for the first time since the war began.
The Russian Defense Ministry said it struck drone facilities, airbases, and a logistics hub in Kyiv, claiming its objectives were met while denying civilian targets were hit.
Both sides have repeatedly denied targeting civilians during the more than three-and-a-half-year-long conflict.
1 min read
1 min read
