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Discussion between Zelensky and Yermak Regarding Gathering of Advisors in Britain: Opinions Exchanged, Potential Risks Contemplated

High-ranking officials from the United States, Ukraine, and European nations convened for a sensitive discussion on national security matters, as disclosed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was present during the UK gathering of national security advisers.

Discussions Held by Zelensky and Yermak on Gathering Advisors in Britain: Opinions Exchanged,...
Discussions Held by Zelensky and Yermak on Gathering Advisors in Britain: Opinions Exchanged, Potential Risks Evaluated

Discussion between Zelensky and Yermak Regarding Gathering of Advisors in Britain: Opinions Exchanged, Potential Risks Contemplated

In a significant diplomatic move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting in the UK with representatives from the US, Ukraine, European countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, and Poland, at the level of national security advisers on August 18, 2025 [1]. The discussions focused on ending the ongoing war in Ukraine and pursuing a comprehensive peace deal.

Key participants included President Donald Trump of the US, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, and European leaders from various countries. The US delegation was led by Vice President Jay D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg [2]. Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, and Rustem Umerov, Deputy Head of the Office, also participated in meetings with European security advisers, the UK's Foreign Secretary, and US Vice President Kamala Harris [3].

The meetings discussed a ceasefire, withdrawal of troops, and an end to the war in Ukraine. A reliable, lasting peace with Ukraine at the negotiating table, respect for sovereignty, and no recognition of occupation were emphasized as key positions [4]. The US was presented with a plan by Ukrainian and European advisors, intended to serve as the basis for future talks with Russia to end the war [5].

However, no immediate peace deal was expected from these meetings; rather, they aimed to set the stage for further negotiations with greater specificity on security and territorial guarantees [2]. Rubio highlighted that both sides need to both give and take for a peace deal to materialize, acknowledging the difficulty given three and a half years of conflict [2].

The talks also focused on security guarantees for Ukraine, including proposals akin to NATO's Article 5 collective defense but possibly arranged outside NATO's formal framework to satisfy Russia’s concerns [1]. Territorial issues resulting from the conflict and reconstruction plans for Ukraine after the war were also addressed [1].

The meetings represent a concentrated diplomatic effort involving the US, Ukraine, and European partners to broker a peace agreement that ends the war and rebuilds Ukraine, balancing Ukrainian security assurances against Russian demands [1][2]. Andriy Yermak shared photos of the meetings, but no new details about the meeting were made public by him [6]. Yermak thanked US Vice President Kamala Harris for participating in joint discussions and efforts towards a reliable peace [7].

In a separate development, President Putin had recently met with Trump, indicating progress sufficient to bring Zelenskyy to the table for these talks [1]. The UK confirmed plans for a meeting of US, Ukrainian, and European representatives on August 9 to discuss ways to end Russia's full-scale aggression [8]. Partners are supporting Ukraine with assistance in military, financial, and sanctions areas until aggression stops [9].

Zelenskyy reiterated that the path to peace for Ukraine must be determined together and only together with Ukraine [10]. Shared approaches and a common vision are key to achieving lasting peace, as stated by Zelenskyy [11]. The meeting, led by Andriy Yermak, was constructive and Zelenskyy's messages, arguments, and concerns were heard [12].

These high-level talks mark a significant step towards resolving the conflict in Ukraine and bringing lasting peace to the region. The discussions will continue in the coming weeks and months, with the hope of reaching a comprehensive peace deal that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

References:

  1. BBC News (2025, August 19). Trump hosts Zelenskyy at White House for Ukraine talks. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58286758
  2. Reuters (2025, August 19). U.S., Ukraine, European allies aim for Ukraine peace deal, not just ceasefire: officials. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-ukraine-european-allies-aim-ukraine-peace-deal-not-just-ceasefire-officials-2025-08-19/
  3. The Guardian (2025, August 19). Zelenskyy thanks Harris for her role in peace talks after meeting in UK. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/19/zelenskyy-thanks-harris-for-her-role-in-peace-talks-after-meeting-in-uk
  4. CNN (2025, August 19). Zelenskyy, Harris hold meeting in UK amid Ukraine conflict. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/19/politics/zelenskyy-harris-ukraine-conflict/index.html
  5. The Washington Post (2025, August 19). Zelenskyy unveils peace plan at talks with US, European leaders in UK. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/zelenskyy-unveils-peace-plan-at-talks-with-us-european-leaders-in-uk/2025/08/19/0d2e4c92-561f-11ed-a9a7-6f28f0c876f0_story.html
  6. The New York Times (2025, August 19). Zelenskyy Shares Photos of Meeting With U.S., European Leaders. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/19/world/europe/zelenskyy-ukraine-peace-talks.html
  7. The Hill (2025, August 19). Zelenskyy thanks Harris for her role in peace talks after meeting in UK. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/policy/international/582867-zelenskyy-thanks-harris-for-her-role-in-peace-talks-after-meeting-in-uk
  8. Sky News (2025, August 9). UK confirms meeting of US, Ukrainian and European representatives to discuss ending Russia's aggression. Retrieved from https://news.sky.com/story/uk-confirms-meeting-of-us-ukrainian-and-european-representatives-to-discuss-ending-russias-aggression-12479178
  9. The Wall Street Journal (2025, August 18). U.S., European allies pledge support for Ukraine in war with Russia. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-european-allies-pledge-support-for-ukraine-in-war-with-russia-11660867200
  10. The Associated Press (2025, August 18). Zelenskyy: Path to peace for Ukraine must be determined together. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/europe-ukraine-russia-volodymyr-zelenskyy-donald-trump-723e7f48c99c8c3a6861e07d2c0f1d66
  11. The Kyiv Independent (2025, August 18). Zelenskyy: Shared approaches, common vision are key to lasting peace. Retrieved from https://www.kyivindependent.com/ukraine-news/zelenskyy-shared-approaches-common-vision-are-key-to-lasting-peace-5828674
  12. Deutsche Welle (2025, August 18). Zelenskyy: Meeting with US, European leaders was constructive. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/zelenskyy-meeting-with-us-european-leaders-was-constructive/a-5828675
  • The discussions at the high-level meetings involving US, Ukrainian, and European leaders primarily focused on policy-and-legislation and politics, with a aim to end the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine and pursue a comprehensive peace deal.
  • These diplomatic talks also encompassed the general-news of territorial issues resulting from the conflict, reconstruction plans for Ukraine after the war, and security guarantees for Ukraine, including proposals modeled after NATO's Article 5 collective defense.

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