A ceasefire in the war between Ukraine and Russia may be within reach, but true peace will require more than just diplomacy, according to Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office.
In an opinion piece published by The Guardian on March 11, Yermak writes that “a ceasefire has never seemed closer” as he arrives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for high-level talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials.
Still, Yermak warns that a temporary halt in fighting will not be enough unless it's backed by real security guarantees and greater pressure on Moscow.
“No one wants the current war to end more than our people — but a peace must be found that is both just and sustainable,” he wrote.
This was reported by the Kyiv Independent.
Ceasefire Must Not Be a Chance for Russia to Regroup
Yermak’s message is clear: Ukraine welcomes peace, but only if it prevents Russia from regrouping and launching future attacks.
“Europe cannot allow a ceasefire that serves only to allow Russia to rearm, rebuild its forces, and come back for more Ukrainian lands and resources,” he said.
To avoid that scenario, Yermak says the West must maintain and expand sanctions, seize frozen Russian assets, and provide Ukraine with long-term security commitments.
He pointed to the EU’s 16th sanctions package, approved in February, which tightens export controls and targets Russian aluminum imports, as an important step — but not enough on its own.
Calls for U.S. Leadership
Yermak emphasized that U.S. leadership is vital for securing a meaningful peace — including military support and defense guarantees.
However, President Donald Trump has so far refused to offer any security guarantees, telling President Volodymyr Zelensky during their Feb. 28 Oval Office meeting that Europe should take the lead on Ukraine’s protection.
Yermak acknowledged and praised Europe's ReArm Europe initiative, which sets aside €150 billion ($163 billion) for collective defense and €20 billion ($21 billion) for Ukraine’s military needs, but added that U.S. backing remains crucial.
The op-ed was published the same day the Ukrainian and U.S. delegations began talks in Saudi Arabia, a meeting expected to shape Washington’s future role in the war and any path to peace.
The Ukrainian delegation includes Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Chief of Staff Pavlo Palisa.
The U.S. team is led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
As the war enters its third year, and with Ukraine's military aid and intelligence support from the U.S. currently frozen, these talks could prove decisive.
