Kyiv: Ukraine's Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak stated on Monday that Kyiv has coordinated positions with top US officials ahead of 'important diplomatic steps' scheduled for this week, emphasizing that a just and lasting peace requires an unconditional ceasefire before substantive negotiations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Yermak mentioned that he informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about ongoing communications with partners, including during a meeting with US Vice President J.D. Vance. Yermak highlighted that for Ukraine, the priority is achieving a just and lasting peace which involves an unconditional ceasefire as a prerequisite for substantive negotiations, as well as increasing pressure on the Russian Federation to take real steps in this direction.

He expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his 'leadership in striving to end Russia's war against Ukraine' and acknowledged the support from the American people. Yermak also thanked Secretary of State Rubio and US President's Special Representative for Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg, for their efforts toward peace.