Zelensky’s chief of staff, Yermak says Ukraine not ready to give up any territory

Andriy Yermak, chief of staff for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, told reporters during a visit to Washington that Kyiv will listen to any advise on how to establish a “just peace” in the war.

He also said Ukraine is unwilling to negotiate with Russia and give up any territory to end the war.

Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

According to Yermak “But we are not ready to go to the compromise for the very important things and values … independence, freedom, democracy, territorial integrity, sovereignty,” .

Yermak’s visit came ahead of next week’s NATO summit in the U.S. capital, where Ukraine is expected to be the main topic of discussion.

Trump, the Republican nominee challenging President Joe Biden, said during a debate between the pair last week that if he is re-elected in November, he would quickly solve the war in Ukraine before taking office in January.

Putin has said Russia would end the war if Kyiv agreed to hand over the four regions in the east and south of the country claimed by Moscow.

Ukraine will encourage a new US administration to continue providing it with assistance, he said, adding that Ukraine had gained bipartisan backing in Washington and that polling indicated most Americans still supported Ukraine after two years of war.

Since 2022, the United States has provided almost $50 billion in military aid to Ukraine.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Tuesday that the United States will shortly reveal more than $2.3 billion in new security assistance to Ukraine.