Ukraine Discusses Air Defense, Russia Sanctions with U.S., European Partners

(MENAFN) On Monday, Ukraine’s Presidential Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, revealed that he had engaged in critical talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security advisors from the UK, Germany, Italy, and France. The discussions centered on bolstering defense assistance, enhancing security guarantees, and imposing tougher sanctions on Russia.

Yermak stated that the video call with European allies followed the “coalition of the willing” meeting held in Paris on September 4, where the establishment of a “clear system of security guarantees for Ukraine” was a key topic. He further mentioned that "the developments have already been prepared in both the political and military parts."

"The need to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses against Russian aggression has grown, particularly in light of recent escalations, including the first missile strike on a government building in Kyiv using an Iskander missile," Yermak said via Telegram.

He emphasized that additional support, especially for Ukraine’s air defense systems, was critical in light of Russia's ongoing missile and drone attacks. "Further strengthening of Ukraine’s positions is needed," Yermak asserted, adding that discussions with international partners had focused on practical steps and measures to achieve this.

Yermak also briefed Marco Rubio on the continuous Russian assaults on Ukrainian cities, residential areas, and government facilities using drones and missiles. "Russian President Vladimir Putin understands only force and has no intention of halting the war," Yermak said, urging sustained pressure on Russia. "A stable peace is our goal, which we must achieve."

He also took the opportunity to thank U.S. President Donald Trump for his "leadership in striving to end Russia’s war against Ukraine" and commended Rubio for his significant contributions to securing a just peace.

On Sunday, Ukraine’s air force reported successfully intercepting 747 out of 810 drones and four of 13 missiles launched by Russian forces in separate attacks. Additionally, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko shared on X, the social media platform, that Kyiv's government building had sustained damage from a strike for the first time since the conflict began.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed that its strikes had targeted Ukrainian drone facilities, airbases, and logistics sites in Kyiv, asserting that the operation had met its objectives while denying any damage to civilian infrastructure.

Throughout the ongoing war, both Russia and Ukraine have consistently denied deliberately targeting civilians.

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