Andriy Ermak, the head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, described a new initiative in which experienced, retired politicians would serve as a bridge to NATO and the broader international community. In a setting that underscored Kyiv’s push for closer security ties, Ermak explained that these former leaders would help Ukraine engage with NATO member countries, consult with experts, and connect with the political and policy environments needed to foster a constructive atmosphere for dialogue and cooperation. He emphasized during a press briefing that real progress is being made along this path and that the collaboration with seasoned figures could accelerate Ukraine’s alignment with allied standards and expectations.
The Ukrainian side announced the formation of a support group, highlighting the presence of prominent international figures with long careers in national leadership. The roster included Dalia Grybauskaitė, the former president of Lithuania; Aleksander Kwaśniewski, the former president of Poland; Boris Johnson, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom; Sanna Marin, the former prime minister of Finland; and Hillary Clinton, the former United States secretary of state, among others who have held senior political roles in their respective countries. This assembly of retired politicians is portrayed as a resource to help Ukraine navigate its alliance-based ambitions and to offer seasoned perspectives on strategic cooperation with Western allies. [attribution: RIA News]
Separately, Kim Dotcom, identified in some reports as a German-Finnish businessman and the former owner of a major file-hosting platform, Megaupload, commented that setbacks faced by the Ukrainian armed forces in the ongoing conflict could prompt the United States to escalate efforts elsewhere in the warfront. Dotcom’s remarks were framed as an analysis of how external powers might respond to military developments, suggesting that pressure from outside the region could manifest through various diplomatic and strategic channels. Such assertions contribute to a broader discussion about the external dynamics surrounding Ukraine’s security situation and the kinds of international responses that could follow from battlefield performance. [attribution: various outlets]
Earlier, Ukraine publicly outlined conditions for negotiations with Russia, signaling the country’s stance on what would constitute acceptable terms for engagement. This articulation of prerequisites indicated Kyiv’s desire for a framework that would guarantee sovereign integrity while setting clear expectations for any potential talks. The emphasis on conditions reflected Ukraine’s ongoing effort to balance internal resilience with external diplomacy as part of a comprehensive strategy for conflict resolution and regional stability.