U.S. Diplomat Meets Ukrainian Officials in New York
Andry Yermak, a key aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, recently welcomed U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting in New York. This marked the first instance where a U.S. diplomat engaged with high-ranking officials from Kyiv amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, which has stretched over 42 months.
Yermak, along with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya, discussed the necessity of promoting effective diplomacy and ensuring that agreements made during the Washington Summit are followed through. White House representatives confirmed the meeting took place but revealed few specifics.
The discussion occurred shortly after Russia initiated a significant bombardment of Kyiv, employing missiles and drones. Yermak took the opportunity to inform Witkoff about the ongoing war crimes committed by Russia against Ukrainian cities, highlighting the recent attacks that resulted in 23 fatalities, including the loss of four children.
“Unfortunately, Russia seems unable to meet the criteria necessary to bring an end to this conflict and is simply prolonging hostilities,” Yermak remarked. He noted that while Ukraine is open to all peace initiatives proposed by the U.S., many have been disregarded by Russia.
“We’re prepared to engage in direct negotiations at the leadership level to address an array of issues,” Yermak added, expressing hope that international pressure could prompt Russia to engage in meaningful dialogues aimed at peace.
Kyslytsya described the conference as constructive, underscoring a true desire for a viable resolution aligned with Ukrainian and U.S. agreements. The Trump administration had earlier handled negotiations with Russia through special envoy Keith Kellogg, who has visited Moscow multiple times since the administration began.
On a related note, Yermak and Witkoff discussed Kyiv’s intentions for a Nasdaq listing for the telecommunications giant Kyivstar. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Swilidenko was also in the U.S. for the event but did not participate in the meeting with Witkoff.
