A top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Andriy Yermak, engaged in discussions with Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, during the Munich Security Conference in Germany. The meeting focused on collaborative efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in the region.
Yermak emphasized the challenges posed by Russian actions, stating, 'Putin never plays by the rules. Russians respect only force and despise those who do not use it.' He highlighted the importance of strong measures to counter Russian coercion, as control over Ukraine remains a key aspect of the Kremlin's imperial ambitions.
The meeting between Kellogg and Ukrainian officials comes amidst concerns in Kyiv about potential exclusion from discussions regarding the future of Ukraine. This apprehension arose following a recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Trump did not explicitly affirm Ukraine as an 'equal partner' in peace negotiations.
Yermak underscored the collective responsibility to ensure that there are tangible consequences for the aggressor's actions. He emphasized the need for holding the aggressor accountable for its past deeds.
Later in the day, President Zelensky is scheduled to meet with US Vice President JD Vance in Munich, further underscoring the ongoing diplomatic engagements between Ukraine and the United States.
