Ukraine Official Addresses US Secretary's Absence at Key Meeting

Top Ukrainian Official Downplays Absence of US Secretary of Defense at Key Meeting Ukraine's top official, Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the Ukrainian President, recently addressed the media in Washington D.C. concerning the absence of the U.S. Secretary of Defense at a crucial Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting held in Brussels on June 4, 2025. Yermak sought to reassure the public, stating, "Our cooperation with the United States is continuing." He further explained that productive discussions regarding the next steps in the ongoing collaboration between the two countries had taken place during his visit to the U.S. Yermak's comments aim to alleviate concerns about the impact of the Secretary's absence on the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States. The meeting in Brussels was a significant event, focusing on providing military and financial aid to Ukraine. The absence of a high-ranking U.S. official raised questions about the strength of the alliance. Yermak's press conference, therefore, served to reaffirm the commitment and continued cooperation between the two nations. His statement, "We discussed the next steps and just during these two days we have the opportunity to talk in the White House, in the State Department and in the Hills," highlights the ongoing dialogue and collaborative efforts.