Ukraine-US relations back on track – Yermak

Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, stated this in an interview with Reuters, as cited by Ukrinform.

"I think we have great conversations with the Americans. I think we are back on track," Yermak emphasized.

Yermak highlighted that during negotiations in Saudi Arabia, the Ukrainian side demonstrated its serious commitment, which was acknowledged by the U.S. delegation.

"We demonstrated we are very serious, the Americans understood. Dear American friends, you understand that we are partners. This was our goal," he added.

On March 25, during the talks in Saudi Arabia, the US reached separate agreements with both Ukraine and Russia to pause attacks in the Black Sea ans strikes on energy infrastructure.

However, Russia imposed conditions for implementing the agreement, demanding the easing of sanctions to regain access to global export markets for its fertilizers and agricultural products.

Yermak stated that Russia's demands reflect its overall approach to peace negotiations.

"It shows that they (Russia) did not accept an unconditional ceasefire, which is nonsense. Our logic is that we need to go in without any conditions," he said.

Yermak also expressed his belief that U.S. President Donald Trump is genuinely committed to ending the war.

"President Trump wants to end this war, this is great…. Russia does not want to end this war. The best way to believe otherwise would be Russia’s strict adherence to the agreements reached in Saudi Arabia — at the very least, the initial agreements on an unconditional ceasefire. And then move forward toward a truly sustainable peace," Yermak noted.

As previously reported by Ukrinform, the U.S. and Ukraine agreed on measures to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea, prevention of force and safeguards against the use of commercial vessels for military purposes.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced that the agreement on the Black Sea security will only come into force if some sanctions against Russia are lifted.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine