**Ukraine’s Path to Lasting Peace**
The head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, believes that the country can achieve lasting peace with US leadership. However, this will require increased pressure on Russia and credible security guarantees.
Yermak wrote in an opinion article for The Guardian that a ceasefire in the three-year war between Russia and Ukraine has never seemed closer. But he emphasized that diplomacy alone is not enough to bring about a ceasefire. Stronger political and financial pressure on Russia is necessary to prevent a future resurgence of aggression.
**Key Conditions for Peace**
Yermak outlined key conditions necessary for a sustainable peace, including:
* Security guarantees for Ukraine
* Tougher European sanctions against Russia
* The seizure of Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine
He warned that Europe cannot allow a ceasefire that only allows Russia to rearm and come back for more Ukrainian lands and resources.
**US Involvement**
Despite Yermak’s calls for US involvement in security guarantees, President Donald Trump has refused to offer such assurances. However, the EU’s recently approved 16th sanctions package of sanctions expands export restrictions and targets Russian aluminum imports.
The column was published as Ukrainian and US delegates began talks in Jeddah on March 11. The meeting could shape Washington‘s future support for Kyiv and efforts to end the war.
**US Delegation**
The US delegation is led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.