Top Ukrainian official meets Trump team amid looming US policy shift

As Ukraine braces for a major shift in US policy with Donald Trump’s inauguration, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Administration, met on December 5 with Vice President-elect JD Vance and other key figures from Trump’s national security team.

The meeting, which took place in Washington, included Representative Michael Waltz, Trump’s pick for national security adviser, and an aide to retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, who is set to become the administration’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Yermak’s visit is part of a broader effort by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government to address Trump’s scepticism about supporting Ukraine’s defence against Russia. Trump, a vocal critic of prolonged US involvement abroad, has repeatedly vowed to end the conflict, claiming he could resolve the war even before taking office.

During his campaign, Trump hinted at strategies to push Ukraine toward peace talks with Russia, potentially tying continued military support to Kyiv’s willingness to negotiate. Kellogg has publicly advocated for a similar approach, proposing that arms supplies be used as leverage. "Washington, New York, Florida. Two days of meetings with key members of @realDonaldTrump’s team and U.S. business circles. No names yet — a gentleman’s agreement,” Yermak wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The Trump transition team has not commented on the discussions, but the talks are seen as pivotal in shaping Ukraine's strategy to maintain US support under a potentially less sympathetic administration.

Yermak also met separately with Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, as the Biden administration ramps up its final wave of military assistance to Ukraine. A National Security Council spokesperson confirmed that their discussions covered military aid, economic pressure on Russia, and Ukraine’s ongoing challenges, including manpower shortages.