ISTANBUL
Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office Andriy Yermak said Kyiv and Washington now share a “completely coinciding” vision for achieving a ceasefire along the current line of contact, following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington.
Speaking to RBC-Ukraine, published on Friday, Yermak denied reports that the meeting went poorly, saying it laid “the foundation for further work” despite the lack of an immediate decision on supplying American Tomahawk missiles.
“The main thing is that the conversation ended with confirmation of our shared strategic position—any negotiations and, as a result, a ceasefire are possible only with reference to the current line of contact,” he said.
Yermak added that both leaders agreed the war cannot continue “under the cover of negotiations,” stressing that Russia must not be allowed to exploit talks to delay new sanctions or aid to Ukraine.
He noted that the US confirmed continued air defense support, particularly regarding Patriot systems, and described Trump’s approach as “constructive and open.”
“In some things our views coincided, in others they did not, but I would not make a tragedy out of that,” Yermak said.
According to Yermak, Trump’s recent decision to cancel a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest reflects the US president’s readiness “to meet only when such talks can bring concrete results.”
He added that Kyiv expects more high-level US visits soon, noting that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have been invited to Ukraine.
Addressing concerns about the upcoming winter, Yermak said Ukraine has secured US and European commitments to help protect its energy sector amid renewed Russian strikes.
“Russia has been trying to freeze us for four years, but we are stronger and better prepared this time,” he said.
He also confirmed plans to intensify retaliatory strikes, without elaborating on operational details, and reiterated that “time is working against Russia.”