Ukrainian delegation signals "readiness for peace" in groundbreaking talks with Trump's team Report by WSJ

A Ukrainian delegation, led by Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, met with President-elect Donald Trump's team in the United States.

According to sources in The Wall Street Journal,  the meeting included US vice-president-elect James David Vance, future national security assistant Mike Waltz, and future special representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, per Caliber.Az.

The WSJ report reveals that Kellogg supported the continuation of arms supplies by the Biden administration, suggesting it would provide Trump with leverage in negotiations with Russia. However, the Trump team reportedly showed "little interest" in Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations.

"Exhausted by nearly three years of conflict with Russia, Ukraine plans to declare its readiness for peace," the article notes, emphasizing that Ukraine is not seeking a temporary truce but rather a "sustainable peace."

Yermak’s visit to Washington was part of efforts to build relations with Trump's incoming administration. Ukrainian officials have made it clear that their goal is long-term peace, with a WSJ source stating, "An unstable, temporary peace is not in the interests of the US and Ukraine."

Trump's team has already proposed several plans for resolving the conflict, with Kellogg suggesting the use of US military assistance to pressure Ukraine and Russia to resume negotiations. One proposal includes freezing hostilities along the front line and committing to a 10-year delay on Ukraine’s NATO membership.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga confirmed that Yermak’s visit was aimed at strengthening ties with the new US administration. Yermak has also hinted at holding a new summit based on the "peace formula" proposed by President Zelenskyy.

The issue of NATO membership remains a key part of Ukraine's foreign policy agenda. Zelenskyy’s team has indicated a willingness to negotiate with Moscow if NATO membership is granted, even without certain territories. However, NATO remains divided on the issue, with at least seven member countries — USA, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Belgium, Slovenia, and Spain— opposing Ukraine's membership.

By Tamilla Hasanova