Andriy Yermak, Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff, has begun a visit to the United States to foster closer ties with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. This visit, confirmed by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, is seen as an important step in establishing strong relations with Trump’s team as he prepares to take office.
Speaking to reporters in Brussels, Sybiha emphasized the significance of the visit, noting that such high-level engagement would help Ukraine strengthen its diplomatic relations with the new US leadership. “This contact at the level of the head of the president’s office is very important for establishing, among other things, relations with representatives of the new administration,” Sybiha was quoted as saying by Interfax Ukraine.
Although Trump has been notably vague about his strategy for resolving Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, there are concerns within Ukraine about his stance on NATO membership. Several of Trump’s advisors have suggested that Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO may be put on hold, while proposals have also emerged recommending significant territorial concessions to Russia, which has occupied large parts of Ukrainian territory since its invasion began in 2014.
As Yermak continues his visit to the US, Ukraine is closely monitoring the incoming administration’s approach to the ongoing conflict, hoping for a policy that would bring an end to the 33-month-long war with Russia.
