Ukraine's presidential office head discusses shift in Trump's team's rhetoric on Ukraine
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Representatives of the future administration of US President-elect Donald Trump have changed their rhetoric regarding Russia's war against Ukraine. There is a notable difference between the statements made during the election campaign and those made after its conclusion, states Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak.
According to the official, members of Trump's team and other American politicians demonstrate a deep understanding of the issue of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Yermak, in response to a follow-up question from a journalist, confirmed that this also applies to Ohio Republican Senator J.D. Vance, whom Trump envisions as vice president in his administration after the inauguration. This politician had previously been critical of US support for Ukraine.
"I can tell you from my own experience that the rhetoric during the (election) campaign and the actual position of these officials, including the future vice president, are two very different things," said the head of the President's Office.
Yermak also added, in the context of his discussion about the work between the teams of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Trump, that this was just the beginning; these were introductory meetings, but we have definitely agreed to work together, to start working even before the inauguration.
Furthermore, the head of the President's Office explained that the meeting on December 7 in Paris between Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and US President-elect Trump had been prepared by the teams of the presidents in advance.
Yermak also described the trilateral negotiations between the leaders of the countries as very positive and effective, expressing the view that this could be the beginning of a very good format.
Zelenskyy meets with Trump and Macron
As previously reported, on December 7 in Paris, Zelenskyy met with Trump. They arrived in the French capital for the ceremony marking the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral after its restoration following a fire five years ago.
Additionally, Zelenskyy and Trump held a trilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron behind closed doors.
Later, the President of Ukraine noted that the meeting with Trump and Macron was good and productive. Zelenskyy also emphasized that during the conversation, they agreed to continue working together and maintain communication.
The meeting took place amid increased media leaks of various versions of Trump's peace plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. At the same time, there have been statements from members of the new US President's team regarding different scenarios for such peace/ceasefire, including the idea of freezing the war and possible negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.
Commenting on the plans voiced in the media by Trump's associates, political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko stated that the US President-elect does not yet have a plan for ending the war in Ukraine. The expert mentioned that Trump is still determining his position on the matter.
