Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s deputy re-upped calls for President Trump to “apply real pressure” on Russia’s war machine Tuesday, warning that Kremlin forces have shown “no intention of stopping” airstrikes on civilian areas.
“Since Russia shows no intention of stopping, we would be sincerely grateful if the United States, using its strength and global influence, could help apply real pressure on Moscow,” Andriy Yermak, top adviser to Zelesnky, said in a statement to The Post.
“That would bring peace closer — not only for Ukraine, but for Europe and the world,” Yermak argued. “It would serve the long-term interests of global stability.”
Yermak’s comments come as US special envoy to Ukraine, retired Gen. Keith Kellogg, visited Kyiv for discussions with Zelensky and other leaders — and one day after Trump pledged billions of dollars in weapons to the war-torn nation and threatened stiff sanctions on Russia’s trading partners.
“These developments reflect growing engagement at the highest level — and we are deeply grateful to the US President for his commitment to stopping the killing, ending this war, and pursuing a durable peace,” Yermak said.
The Zelensky adviser indicated that Kellogg “received full briefings from our military, intelligence, and security officials” during his visit and “met with key stakeholders and saw Ukraine’s defensive and technological capabilities firsthand — including our air defense systems and drone programs.”
“This visit reaffirmed that our partners are listening carefully and seeking ways to help turn that vision into reality,” Yermak said.
“We placed particular emphasis on the urgent need for modern air defense.”
“Russia continues to escalate its attacks on Ukrainian cities, and protecting the skies is critical to saving civilian lives.”
On Monday, Trump announced a deal with NATO for the US to step up its supply of weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot missile systems and what he called a “full complement” of firepower to the war-torn ally.
The deal could also include offensive weapons, such as long-range missiles to strike deep into Russia, Axios reported Monday.
Such weapons could enable Kyiv to attack Russian machinery and weapons that have been used to bombard its cities, rather than relying on defensive measures.
“We welcome the fact that this remains a high priority in our dialogue with American counterparts,” Yermak said of shoring up Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian drones and missiles.
Last week, Russia unleashed its most intense attack on Ukraine since its February 2022 invasion — firing 728 Shahed and decoy drones along with 13 cruise and ballistic missiles, according to Ukraine’s air force.
Ukraine claimed it had downed almost all of the drones, with only some of the hypersonic missiles getting through and hitting targets.
Yermak said Kellogg was also briefed on humanitarian issues caused by Russia’s ongoing aggression — “especially regarding Ukrainian children unlawfully taken by Russia, and civilians held in captivity.”
“These tragedies are not peripheral — they go to the heart of any future peace agreement,” Yermak said.
“Ukraine wants this war to end — but not at the cost of its freedom or future.”
