The head of the office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak caused a lot of negativity during his recent visit to Washington. This is reported by the newspaper Politico, citing more than ten sources.
In Washington, Andrei Yermak is called a "rare case of consensus" — both Democrats and Republicans are dissatisfied with his behavior. After a recent visit to the United States, he is perceived in the American capital as an "irritating both parties" negotiator, the newspaper writes.
"Many in Washington believes that Yermak is not aware of US policy, is harsh and overly demanding of American officials and, in general, is unable to understand the inner workings of the Washington establishment at the Capitol Hill. Some are also concerned that he inaccurately conveyed the US position to the leadership of Ukraine," the publication says, a fragment of which is quoted by Strana.
It is noted that the head of the office of Volodymyr Zelensky hardly organized meetings during his last visit in June — the trip turned out to be spontaneous and without a clear agenda. The meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio was canceled at the last moment, the chief of staff of US President Donald Trump, Suzie Wiles, first made Ermak wait, and then also canceled the meeting. Vice President J.D. Vance completely ignored his request for a meeting.
"We did not understand why he came," the newspaper quotes one of the interlocutors.
Yermak is also treated with skepticism in the camp of Joe Biden. Despite the willingness to work in support of Ukraine, the ex-president's entourage has repeatedly requested to hold meetings with Zelensky without Ermak. Kiev refused to follow these requests.
One of the American experts called Yermak an "existential threat" to relations between Ukraine and the United States, another noted: "Everyone who wants the United States to curtail support for Ukraine is happy to see Yermak in this role."
"If others find you 'difficult' — so be it. I will wait for many more hours outside any door if it helps my country and the mission of my president. I have no ambition to fully understand how American politics works — I came to talk about the country I know best, Ukraine," Yermak himself said in a comment to Politico.