Ukraine not ready to compromise with Russia on territory or values, says Yermak

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Ukraine will not compromise its values and territorial integrity to end the war with Russia, Presidential Office Chief Andriy Yermak told reporters on July 3, commenting on statements by US presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Trump has promised to end Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine within 24 hours if elected, but has refused to publicly explain how he plans to do so.

Two top Trump advisers also recently proposed a plan that would cut off military aid to Ukraine unless it agrees to hold peace talks with Russia.

“But we are not ready to compromise on very important things and values… independence, freedom, democracy, territorial integrity, sovereignty,” Yermak said during his visit to Washington, according to Reuters.

Trump is also reportedly considering a deal with Russia to block future NATO membership for countries including Ukraine and Georgia, Politico reported, citing unnamed officials.

One of the sources told Politico that Trump “would be open to something that would prevent NATO expansion and not return Ukraine to its 1991 borders.”

Regarding Ukraine’s attitude towards Trump’s ability to end the war, Yermak said: “Honest answer: I don’t know. Let’s see.”

Ukraine will pressure the new US administration to continue supporting it, he said.

Yermak also added that Ukraine has gained bipartisan support in Washington and that Americans still support Ukraine after two years of war, according to polls.

“It will be… a decision of the American people. We will respect that choice,” he said.

A Ukrainian delegation, accompanied by Yermak, is traveling to Washington on the eve of the NATO summit, which will be held from July 9 to 11.

Yermak said kyiv would listen to any advice aimed at achieving a “just peace” in the war.