Top Zelensky aide speaks by phone with Kamala Harris adviser
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Mr Andriy Yermak (right) discussed the situation on the front line and Russia’s air strikes against Ukraine with Ms Harris’ national security adviser.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON - President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff spoke by phone with US Vice-President Kamala Harris’ national security adviser, Ukraine said on July 23, the first such call since she emerged as the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Mr Andriy Yermak, head of Mr Zelensky’s presidential office, and Mr Phil Gordon discussed the situation at the front and Russia’s campaign of aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities
“He (Mr Yermak) emphasised the importance of strengthening Ukrainian air defence with modern Western systems,” the statement said.
Mr Zelensky referred to the conversation in his nightly video address, recalling that Ms Harris had represented the United States at a June peace summit in Switzerland.
“It is important that the dynamics of our joint work for a just peace do not diminish,” Mr Zelensky said.
“All our partners at all levels know and will continue to know the prospects for a just peace to be restored as soon as possible.”
The US has been a vital wartime ally of Ukraine, supplying many billions of dollars of military and financial assistance since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Ms Harris is seen as most likely to replace Joe Biden on the Democratic presidential ticket after the US president dropped out of the race.
Mr Zelensky’s chief of staff and Mr Gordon discussed further US support and the outcome of the international summit held in Switzerland in June, Mr Yermak’s office said.
Kyiv has repeatedly said it will work with whoever is elected in the US later this year and that it does not want to be seen taking sides in a domestic US matter.
A Ukrainian official who asked not to be named told Reuters: “Speaking of... Harris, we believe that two words best describe her potential foreign policy towards Ukraine and Europe as a whole - if she gets elected - continuity and predictability.”
But the official added: “At the same time, we are certain that supporting Ukraine is a national, not partisan interest for the United States.” REUTERS
