Cliff Notes: – Kremlin responds to Trump weapons deal
- Andriy Yermak, aide to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, urged Donald Trump to impose stronger measures against Russia and Putin.
- Yermak contended that a “just peace” requires the aggressor to be held accountable and isolated by sanctions.
- Trump’s previous threats of “severe tariffs” on Russia and the increase in weapons support to Ukraine were noted as potential catalysts for action.
Ukraine war latest: Russian strikes hit Ukraine’s energy facilities – as Kremlin responds to Trump weapons deal
‘That’s what Putin fears’: Zelenskyy aide calls on Trump to apply ‘real pressure’ on Russia
Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s closest aide has called on Donald Trump to apply pressure on Russia and Vladimir Putin.
Trump to apply pressure on Russia
In a series of social media posts, Andriy Yermak insisted Ukraine seeks peace.
“A just peace is only possible when the aggressor pays for its crimes and retreats from terror,” he said, calling for “real pressure” on the Kremlin.
“Russia must feel that its path leads only to isolation, sanctions and defeat on the battlefield.”
US capitalising on Russian threat to sell weapons to EU
Turning to the US, Yermak called on Trump to apply pressure on Russia “because that’s what Putin fears”.
“Since Russia shows no intention of stopping, we would be sincerely grateful if the United States, using its strength and global influence, could help apply real pressure on Moscow,” he added.
Trump has already threatened to implement “severe tariffs” on Russia unless a peace deal was reached within 50 days.
He has also announced a deal to boost weapons shipments heading to Ukraine.