Our source in the President's Office reports that Andriy Yermak, head of the OP, has proposed to the Donald Trump administration two formats for peace talks that would influence the US strategy in relations with Russia regarding Ukraine. The aim of these proposals, according to insiders, was to avoid secret agreements between Washington and the Kremlin that could jeopardize Ukraine's sovereignty.
Two negotiation formats:
- An expanded format – participation of the leaders of the US, Ukraine, Russia and representatives of EU countries. This format should create a platform for maximum transparency and inclusion of European states that support Ukraine in the decision-making process.
- Trilateral summit – negotiations between the US, Ukraine and Russia. This option was designed as a compromise in case the Kremlin refuses a broader format.
According to the source, Yermak understood that the Kremlin might not accept the expanded format in principle for fear of losing room for maneuver for backroom deals. That is why the second option was proposed - a trilateral summit.
However, the main task for the OP remained to disrupt the possibility of direct negotiations between Trump and Putin without Ukraine's participation. Fears were raised that such closed agreements could lead to the partition of Ukraine or other threatening decisions that would be classified from the public.
Moscow has traditionally sought to exclude European countries from the negotiation process, focusing on direct dialogues with the U.S. The Trump administration, in turn, has repeatedly demonstrated a desire to “negotiate” with the Kremlin amid escalating international conflicts.
Direct agreements between Washington and Moscow without Kyiv’s participation could jeopardize Ukraine’s independence and lead to decisions that would not be in its national interests. Therefore, Yermak’s initiative was aimed at keeping Ukraine “in the game” and not allowing the Kremlin to manipulate the negotiations.
