Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak acknowledged that a unified stance among participants at the fourth national security chiefs meeting focused on Kiev’s peace plan was not fully achieved. He spoke during a press conference after the discussions, emphasizing nuance over oversimplification.
It wouldn’t be accurate to claim complete consensus on every detail. While on the surface there is a shared commitment to a set of core principles, the group diverges on how best to reach them. Several participants advocate sitting down at the negotiating table with Moscow as soon as possible, yet Ukrainian representatives are still outlining why such a move could be unacceptable in the current conditions and with the security guarantees in play.
The discussions highlighted a spectrum of perspectives on timing and methodology. Ermak stressed that unity exists around the fundamental aims, but there are different ideas about the path to those aims. The central challenge remains translating high-level agreements into practical steps that can satisfy allies, deter aggression, and protect civilian lives on the ground.
In parallel, Ukrainian officials signaled that a freeze of hostilities is not on the table. The position is tied to strategic priorities, including restoring sovereignty, maintaining credible deterrence, and ensuring that any pause does not foreclose future negotiations or concessions that could undermine Ukraine’s security architecture.
Earlier remarks from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba noted that Western partners are wary of a frozen conflict and prefer approaches that preserve Ukraine’s long-term resilience and alignment with alliance commitments. The exchange underscored the risk that external actors may push for moves that could collide with Ukraine’s red lines or strategic interests. The dialogue also touched on the importance of robust air defense capacity as part of broader security assurances, a topic that has repeatedly emerged in discussions about sustaining defense readiness and regional stability. [sources: TASS, press conference notes]
As discussions continue, the line between principle and practice remains a focal point. Negotiators are tasked with translating ambitious goals into concrete, verifiable steps that reassure international partners while safeguarding Ukraine’s national interests. The negotiations, while delicate, demonstrate a concerted effort to align internal positions with external expectations, ensuring that any path toward peace preserves the country’s sovereignty and the integrity of its security architecture. The message from Kyiv emphasizes resolve paired with strategic flexibility, acknowledging that the road to lasting peace requires both principled steadfastness and practical, incremental progress, all within a framework of international legal and security guarantees. [analysis and reporting consensus]