Ukrainians are demonstrating incredible strength and resilience in the face of threats from Russia, stated the advisor to the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, in his interview with Politico. He asserts that the Ukrainian people are not willing to yield to Russian aggression and demands, even if it means prolonging the conflict.
“Russians have no interest in any negotiations. They desire Ukraine’s capitulation. But that will never happen. Zelensky will never agree to anything: neither the Minsk agreements nor a frozen conflict. I am certain of this. People may express their fatigue, but if asked whether they are willing to compromise with Russia, they will firmly answer ‘no’,” noted Yermak.
Ukraine has endured the tragedy of losing tens of thousands of lives, and likely hundreds of thousands, at the hands of Russian occupiers. Among the deceased are young men, women, children, and elderly individuals, ruthlessly killed by Russian aggressors often with extreme cruelty on their own soil. What room for reconciliation and concessions exists after this?
In his interview, Yermak also discussed the efforts of the Ukrainian authorities in Kyiv to encourage local officials to take action.
“We know people are complaining, and we hear it from regional governors and from the people themselves. That’s precisely why the president and all of us visit the most dangerous places. Our security service employees hate this – because the president and the head of his administration cannot be afraid. The main goal is Ukraine’s victory, and we tell people: ‘Your name will be in the history books’,” shared Yermak.
The Head of the President’s Office also suggested a better understanding of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s presidency through watching the series “Servant of the People,” which depicts a schoolteacher who becomes the head of state.
“In the series, the president surrounds himself with a group of reliable aides and breaks ordinary procedures and established management methods to achieve his goal, and this is what Zelensky is doing in reality now. But such an approach carries risks,” emphasized Yermak.
Ukrainians are demonstrating their commitment and readiness to fight for their rights and freedom, and they will never surrender to aggression. Yermak’s words reflect the determination and resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of the challenges confronting the country.