Ermak emphasizes: coordinated efforts between the U
S. and the European Union are essential for effective pressure on Russia In the context of the war in Ukraine and extensive international support for Kyiv, Ukrainian political and diplomatic leader Andriy Yermak made an important statement that could be a decisive step in strengthening sanctions pressure against the Russian Federation. According to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, in order to achieve maximum effectiveness of sanctions aimed at the Russian aggressor, they must be coordinated between the United States and the European Union. During an interview with the American channel Newsmax TV, conducted at the initiative of the Ukrainian public broadcaster "Suspilne," Yermak clarified that the new sanctions measures discussed in the U.S. Senate have a "strong chance" of becoming a significant tool of pressure on Russia. Additionally, the Head of the Presidential Office emphasized that their ultimate effect depends on joint, synchronized work between Washington and Brussels, as the simultaneous implementation of new restrictions by both partners can substantially increase the economic and political pressure on Russian leader Vladimir Putin. "We are confident that the sanctions currently being discussed in the U.S. Senate are very effective," Yermak stated. "But the most impactful is their coordinated introduction with the European Union. If a new sanctions package by the U.S. and the EU is applied simultaneously, it will create serious pressure on Russia, forcing it to reconsider its further steps and return to negotiations." The Head of the Office of the President added that the current state of the war demonstrates: to make the Kremlin yield, even more "real and effective" sanctions are necessary. His conviction is rooted in the idea that not only the nature of these measures matters, but also the timing of their application: the sooner and more coordinated they are enacted, the greater the benefit. "Such sanctions already have their value and are producing results," Yermak said. "An example could be Senator Graham's initiative regarding restrictions in the energy sector and banking system. These are truly painful measures for Russia, capable of significantly impacting Russia's political and economic situation and forcing Putin to negotiate. The Kremlin leader will only return to dialogue when he understands that continuing the war is very costly for him, and that his actions have a price." In addition to sanctions-related efforts, Yermak also emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine in military and security areas. He announced plans to hold talks with American colleagues regarding a new military aid package, highlighting that successful decision-making requires "strong and predictable" security arrangements between Ukraine and the United States. It is also worth recalling that earlier, Yermak met in Washington with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine Kiet Kellogg. These negotiations took place amid active diplomatic activity of the Ukrainian delegation led by Minister of Economy Julia Sviridenko, who arrived in the United States for additional consultations and discussions with American officials. Media reports indicate that during this year's negotiations, the U.S. highly value Kyiv's support, but find unacceptable the ultimatum position of Russia presented during talks in Istanbul, which has caused disappointment but not surprise in Washington. Overall, this situation indicates the growing importance of coordinated actions by Western partners in their effort to exert effective pressure on Russia. It is clear that without synchronized and rapid sanctions measures, their impact will be limited. Ukraine faces a complex task: to convince its Western allies of the importance of immediate and unified action in the sanctions sphere, in order to force Russia to negotiate on more favorable terms for Kyiv. This is a signal to intensify pressure through economic and security measures in the most coordinated manner, which can serve as a powerful argument in negotiations and make a return to diplomacy from a position of strength possible.