Yermak, Sullivan discuss reforms, situation in Donbas

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a phone conversation with National Security Advisor to the President of the United States Jacob Sullivan on March 29.
Andriy Yermak thanked the United States for a clear and consistent policy in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the press service of the Head of State informs.

"We appreciate the recent strong statements by President Joe Biden and your administration regarding Crimea. Reaffirming the US policy of not recognizing the attempted annexation of Crimea, condemning the illegal occupation of the peninsula and supporting our Crimean Platform initiative is very important for us,” said the Head of the President's Office.

In addition, Andriy Yermak told the interlocutor about the security situation on the contact line in Donbas. He noted that in recent weeks there has been a dangerous trend towards increasing the number of ceasefire violations and the number of deceased.

"Last Friday, March 26, we lost four of our soldiers in one day," he said.

The Head of the President's Office added that the United States could play a more active role in promoting peace talks to end the war in Donbas.

Andriy Yermak also thanked the United States for providing important security assistance that strengthens Ukraine's defense capabilities. In particular, it is about supporting the reform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, strengthening the Naval Forces of Ukraine.

The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine also noted that with the support of the United States, Ukraine had already received the status of NATO's Enhanced Opportunities Partner (EOP) and expected to receive a Membership Action Plan (MAP).

He noted that Ukraine remained an outpost of the democratic world in Eastern Europe and pays a high price for it, including losing the lives of its best citizens.

The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine also told Jacob Sullivan about the reforms carried out by Volodymyr Zelensky. The goal of the President of Ukraine is to build a modern democratic state based on the rule of law, free from corruption and the influence of oligarchs.

Andriy Yermak also said that on the initiative of Volodymyr Zelensky, the Center for Countering Disinformation was established, the head of which will soon be presented to the public.

National Security Advisor to the President of the United States stressed the importance of cooperation in combating disinformation. "We have something to learn from you in the fight against disinformation. We hope for the possibility of further cooperation in this area," he said.

Jacob Sullivan also noted Ukraine's reform efforts. He stressed that the United States will help Ukraine achieve its political, economic and security goals.

He also assured of readiness to continue assisting Ukraine in gaining full NATO membership.