Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak met with students of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and the Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
He was joined by Ambassador Michael McFaul, Director of the Freeman-Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), Professor at Stanford University.
Introducing the guest from the United States, Andriy Yermak noted that Michael McFaul, with whom he chairs the International Working Group on Sanctions against Russia, is a great friend of Ukraine and one of the architects of the great economic fight against the aggressor country, Russia.
"Over the past year and a half, the group we created together with Michael has indeed achieved some success. Today, 70% of our recommendations are the basis for sanctions in various sectors applied by the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and others," the Head of the Presidential Office said.
Michael McFaul added that after the introduction of sanctions, Russia has less technology to produce weapons, and many wealthy Russians feel uncomfortable.
"But we need more sanctions, better sanctions, and better implementation. We need more secondary sanctions, and we are working on it," he emphasized.
Andriy Yermak noted that the Peace Formula proposed by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is unique. It offers all countries that respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country not only a plan to end this war, but also a universal mechanism to overcome future crises around the world.
Answering the students' questions, Andriy Yermak emphasized that with this initiative, our country is uniting the world by engaging in consultations on the key principles of restoring lasting and just peace for Ukraine, in particular, the countries of the Global South, with which our country had not had very active relations before.
"The meeting of national security advisors and political directors of foreign ministries in Jeddah was extremely successful, and we are planning the next meeting. And we are working really efficiently to organize the first peace summit at the level of leaders," he said.
Michael McFaul, for his part, expressed the opinion that this is an extremely important diplomatic work.
"And today, it is only Ukraine that has proposed a peace plan. Russia has not proposed such a plan. Ukraine's initiative forces other countries to take a certain position, and Ukraine has changed this dynamic," the professor noted.
Andriy Yermak also reminded that the circle of countries that have joined the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine, adopted by the G7 leaders and EU leaders at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, is constantly expanding, and negotiations have already begun with several states on bilateral agreements on providing security guarantees to Ukraine based on this declaration.
At the same time, the Head of the President's Office noted that the best guarantee of security for Ukraine would be NATO membership.
"NATO will not be a powerful alliance without us. Ukraine will definitely be in NATO, and this is not only our desire, but also NATO's absolute interest. Because we are the basis of the future security system. And not only of the European continent," he is convinced.
For his part, Michael McFaul suggested that the Alliance should extend an invitation to Ukraine for membership at the 2024 summit in Washington.
During the conversation with the students, the Head of the President's Office also spoke about his relationship with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, which he called extremely honest and concrete.
"Jake is a good listener. He accepts rational arguments. He is a person who is always willing to engage in constructive dialogue and find optimal solutions. It's not always easy. Sometimes we have different positions. But without this man, many things would not have happened. Jake is truly a great friend of Ukraine. It's not easy for him, there are a lot of fakes that he is the one who blocks something, doesn't allow something. This is not true. I really appreciate our cooperation," said Andriy Yermak.
In addition, he said that the Presidential Office is interested in involving active youth in the development of documents that are extremely important for Ukraine, such as sanctions, security guarantees, the Peace Formula, environmental issues, and the return of illegally deported Ukrainian children.
The Head of the President's Office also spoke about the idea to organize a summit of graduates of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and the Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, primarily from other countries, who would now become powerful advocates of Ukraine and help, in particular, to unite countries, especially the Global South.
"We really want all the people who left Ukraine during the war to return. There are many students studying at different universities around the world. Unfortunately, there is no single platform that would unite all Ukrainian students. After our victory, we will really need young people interested in developing the country. And if they hear directly from you about what is happening in Ukraine, it will be very important," added Andriy Yermak.
For his part, Michael McFaul noted that Ukraine is going through a very difficult period in its history, but at the same time it is inspiring the world, as Ukrainians are at the forefront of the fight for freedom not only of their country and Europe, but they are also the face of the future for the whole world.
"And it is you who are fighting for peace. And you have something that many other countries do not have - young, creative, innovative youth. The future of Ukraine is in great hands!" he emphasized.
Summarizing the meeting, Andriy Yermak noted that the most important thing for Ukraine today is success at the front. That is why we continue to work to provide the Ukrainian military with everything they need.
"As long as there are Russian troops on our land, there can be no negotiations. Only Ukraine and Ukrainians will decide when, how and with whom to talk. We are paying too high a price, so we must end this war by returning all our territories. Although I realize that this is very difficult. And every person is very important to us," he emphasized.
According to Andriy Yermak, today it is imperative to preserve unity within the country and around Ukraine, and it depends on everyone.
The Head of the President's Office thanked all the students present for being in Ukraine and demonstrating that full life has returned and continues, and the main thing left is to win.