PRESS RELEASE : Andriy Yermak discussed security issues and strengthening sanctions against Russia with advisers to leaders of the United States, Great Britain, Germany and France

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 4 May 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a video conference with National Security Advisor to the President of the United States Jacob Sullivan, National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Stephen Lovegrove, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the German Chancellor Jens Plötner, Adviser to the President of the French Republic on relations with Ukraine and Russia Isabelle Dumont, other representatives of the French side.

Andriy Yermak informed his interlocutors about the course of events on the frontline noting that the most difficult situation remains in the south-east of Ukraine, where Russia has concentrated significant forces.

He also spoke about the evacuation mission from the Russian-occupied city of Mariupol in the Donetsk region. According to the Head of the President’s Office, on Tuesday 156 Ukrainian citizens who took refuge from the Russian bombing in the basement of the Azovstal plant finally reached Zaporizhzhia and are now safe.

At the same time, according to Andriy Yermak, Russian troops continue to shell Azovstal, which still shelters civilians and wounded soldiers in need of emergency medical care. The humanitarian situation in Mariupol remains catastrophic.

The Head of the President’s Office stressed the need to make every effort to unblock the people at the plant.

As part of the ongoing dialogue, the parties continued to discuss future security guarantees for Ukraine. Our state, which has faced Russian aggression, is interested in obtaining clear and concrete guarantees.

The parties also discussed preparations for the next sanctions package against Russia. The action plan to strengthen sanctions developed by the Yermak-McFaul international expert group was handed over to Ukraine’s partners.

The interlocutors agreed that sanctions pressure on Russia should increase until it ends the aggressive war and seeks peace.