Yermak says proposals to hand over frozen Russian assets in exchange for ceasefire are pointless

This was stated by the head of the President's Office, Andrii Yermak, on Telegram, according to Ukrinform. 

"At the end of the week, I took part in a panel discussion at Yalta Economic Strategy 2025. There was a substantive conversation with Fabrizio Saggio, diplomatic advisor to the Italian Prime Minister, General Keith Kellogg, special representative of the US President, Günter Zaouter, advisor to the German Federal Chancellor on national security, and Xavier Chatel, diplomatic advisor to the French President," the publication says.

Video: Andrii Yermak / Telegram

Among other things, Andrii Yermak highlighted the key points of the meeting, in particular:

- Putin cannot be stopped by any compromises or agreements – only by force. He said that it is important to realize this. 

- Ukraine has already become a shield for Europe and the entire free world. 

- All proposals to hand over frozen Russian assets in exchange for a ceasefire are irrelevant, because the aggressor must pay for this war, otherwise any dictator will repeat the same strategy.

- Discussion of a new security system for Europe and Ukraine, which will play an important role and is already doing so.

In general, the security system for Ukraine includes strong and modernly armed Armed Forces, international guarantees that have already been supported by 26 states, as well as sanctions, EU membership, and guarantees for the restoration of our economy, the head of the OP emphasized. 

“Recent events in Poland with Russian drones have once again proven that it is time to close Ukrainian airspace, which will protect not only us but also all our neighbors. And this must be a collective effort, because these are new challenges for all of Europe,” Andrii Yermak wrote. 

Economic issues were discussed separately. 

"Despite the war, 90% of American companies continue to operate in Ukraine, which demonstrates their faith in our future, for which I am very grateful to our partners. We have proven that we know how to fight and win, and it is from this position of strength that we are ready for real negotiations on a lasting peace," Andrii Yermak noted. 

As reported by Ukrinform, the President of Ukraine announced the continuous expansion of the range of weapons that Ukraine produces and uses.