In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine for the second time in eight years. Despite the odds, Ukrainians gallantly defended Kyiv in the war’s early days and conducted a successful counteroffensive around Kharkiv and Kherson last year. However, as Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its second winter, the stakes are high.
Hudson’s Center on Europe and Eurasia will host Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak to discuss the state of the 2023 counteroffensive, the future of United States–Ukraine relations, and the status of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace formula.
Peter Rough:
Hi, good evening. I'm Peter Rough, senior fellow and director of the Center on Europe and Eurasia here at Hudson Institute and it's my pleasure to welcome you all to the Betsy and Walter Stern conference Center. Ever since Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine and even for some time quite before that, Hudson Institute has been alive to the importance of Ukraine to American national security and the importance of Ukraine prevailing in its conflict against Russia.
As H.R. McMaster, the now chair of the Hudson Institute, Japan Chair Advisory Board, put it in the early days after Russia's full scale invasion, "Ukraine can win this war." Most recently, Mike Pompeo, also a distinguished fellow here and of course our nation's 70th secretary of state, made a powerful case in front of the capitol for Ukraine aid. "Make no mistake," Secretary Pompeo said, " ... the outcome of this war will have a direct impact on US national security."
Nobody at Hudson, however, has thought more about Ukraine and its relation to American national security than Luke Coffey, senior fellow here. He has written widely about the conflict and spoken about it for years and his myth fact documents have become something of a legendary one within the halls of Hudson and also read widely outside of Hudson. In fact, his most recent, The 14 Facts About US aid To Ukraine, which you can find on the hudson.org website, is perhaps the most cutting of all. As the myths get worse, his facts seem to get better, so I encourage you all to take a look and read them.
Today we're honored to learn more about the war on Ukraine and perhaps debunk another myth or two, with Andriy Yermak, head of office of the President of Ukraine who will be joined on stage in conversation with Luke. It's been commonplace to say at events like this that a speaker requires no introduction, but in this case I think it truly is the case. Andriy Yermak is the closest of advisors to President Zelenskyy and we're delighted to have him here today. We're going to first have an introductory video and then the two gentlemen will have a conversation here after a few opening remarks from Mr. Yermak. So, enjoy the video.
Introductory Video:
The world needs peace. Sustainable, universal, just. Achieving peace demands action, joint, determined, systematic. The Ukrainian peace formula developed by President Zelenskyy propels these actions forward 10 points, 10 vital directions rooted in the UN Charter and into international law. Ukraine is actively pursuing peace, channeling all its efforts into implementing the peace formula. Two significant peace summits in Copenhagen and Jeddah have paved the way for substantial progress. Dedicated groups have been diligently working on each focal area outlined in the formula.
Intensive discussions with diplomats, particularly focusing on the initial five points have led to meticulously crafted action plans, radiation and nuclear safety. At the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, ambassadors from different countries emphasized the importance of safe nuclear energy. Cross-border accidents and attacks pose threats to global safety.
Upholding Ukrainian sovereignty is vital. The IAEA must ensure nuclear safety at civilian sites. Food security, the meeting at the bakery in Kyiv Oblast, targeted in Russian attack emphasized the crucial need to de-politicize food issues. The war in Ukraine jeopardizes global food security, risking hunger for millions. Ukraine, vital in grain exports, faces disruption. Food security must be conflict-free.
Energy security. During the meeting at the Cabinet of Minister's Club, discussion centered on the alarming vulnerabilities of Ukraine's energy facilities. The looming threat of winter attacks, not only endangers Ukraine but also poses significant global energy risks.
Maintaining steadfast international support for Ukraine's energy infrastructure is imperative in ensuring stability and security, release of prisoners and deported persons. In a meeting with delegates from 70 plus countries, the dire situation of thousands, including civilians held in Russian occupied areas was discussed. Swift action is imperative. Ensuring the safe return of all Ukrainian detainees in compliance with international laws such as the Geneva Conventions is an urgent priority.
Restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity. The world stands firm in upholding Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. These principles enshrined in the UN Charter and reaffirmed by the UN General Assembly. Restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, including currently occupied regions, is non-negotiable.
A unanimous understanding emerged. The path to peace for Ukraine and the world hinges on reinstating respect for the UN Charter and key tenets of international law. The Ukrainian peace formula, developed by President Zelenskyy unites global leaders, paving the way for lasting peace amid Russia's actions.
Through steadfast collaboration, they seek broad international support for just and enduring peace benefiting all of humanity. The forthcoming conference in Valletta, Malta, represents a crucial juncture and our anticipation for substantial outcomes is heightened.
Andriy Yermak:
Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, friends. First, firmest, I would like thank you for having me here. It's a great honor and pleasure to speak before the community that has been a stronghold of democracy and freedom since the hottest time of the Cold War. This place was created to ponder the importable, a better and safer future. And today Herman Hans, thinking about the unthinkable principles seems to be more relevant than ever. What we all have to do to imagine the impossible, to make it happen? For 60, 100, 28 days of the full scale Russian invasion, Ukraine have been proving the impossible, is only that hasn't been done yet.
It seemed impossible to stop the Russian invading forces. It seemed impossible to implement comprehensive sanctions against aggressor country. Standing the firm again the terror and nuclear armed states, blackmail also impossible, as well as imposing our own agenda on them.
But Ukraine hardens, defends, lives. We have already liberated half of the occupied territories. We have busted the myth of the second army in the world. Now it is the second army in Ukraine. This became possible because we are not alone. America has once again demonstrated its leadership. It's confirmed its status at the helm of the freedom. It was the first to help a nations fighting against tyranny. Ukraine's are immensely grateful to the people, Congress, President Biden for this. But your assistant, it's not charity. It's an investment in the suffer world.
Together, we have created a new geopolitical reality. Ukraine's resilience in defending freedom and the value drain and choice of our islands under the United States' leadership have caused tectonic shifts. Democracies all over the world have proven their ability to united and face tyranny, fortitude of the Ukrainian people, valor of our defenders, and the joint efforts of our alliance have made Russia blitzkrieg fail. But two years into full scale war Russia, it's still not defeated. What's more, amid a marriage of the fake messages emanating from Moscow, there is one indelible truth. They're not going to stop. They hope to outlast and out-endure the unity of democracies. They know that their success depends on the West adopting a real politic approach rather than a value-based policy.
To this end, Moscow has revided the axis of evil. Let's set the record straight. It had been done in long before President Bush coined the terms. For decades, it has been forming a coalitions of autocratic regimes, fringe movements and terroristic organizations. And now, these coalitions of autocratically minded monster poses an ever-increasing threat of humanity. Restoring the statues of the superpower has became a real obsessions of the Kremlin.
Russian leadership is fixated on revenge for the Cold War and they repeatedly refer to its practices. In the modern world, in the world built on the partnership and consensus of the interests, Russia does not have competitive advantages. The only chance for them, it's to create the situations that the difference between peace and war becomes illusory. They put all their effort into this. They see what happening in Middle East. We know that the flames of the conflicts are being fanned in the Balkans. We have witnessed attempts to ignite this hell. Points of instability will arise worldwide until Ukraine prevail. Therefore, there is not only our strategic interest, it is the interest of United States as well.
Present day Russia is a state created for the confrontations. That means, one thinks, we can't afford fatigue, none of us. Ukraine stands and wins. The rules-based order stands and wins. As Ronald Reagan put it, we have come to a time for choosing. It is either up to freedom, law and order, or down to totalitarianism. Ukraine choice is absolutely clear. We are firmly committed to restore Ukraine's sovereignty, over all international recognized territory.
Against all odds, Ukraine's defense forces have gained an foothold on the left bank of the Dnieper. Step-by-step, we demilitarized Crimea. We have covered 70% of the distance and our counteroffensive is development.
We know how to achieve victory. President Zelenskyy has a clear plan. Among the priorities, he identifies the developments of our defense industry and deploying our own arms productions. But what we will be later, meanwhile we need weapons right now. Russia still has air superiority. It is still capable of producing missiles, doing evasion of sanctions, not to mention the Iranian drones and North Korean artillery rounds. So, we need more restrictions against them and we especially need air defense systems.
I tell you the truth, this winter will be tough for us as well. We will again resort trying to terrorize our citizens by taking power grids and infrastructures. Strengthening air defense will be a guarantee for recovery. For the reconstruction of Ukraine, a reliable umbrella is needed. Its reinforcement in particular will allow us to reopen one of the airport in Ukraine. We're already working on these, our partners. It's a sign with the turning point in the war is approaching. The next year will be decisive in this regards.
Let me assure you, we can and do account for every defense item we get. Transparency matters, we are absolutely aware of that. President Zelenskyy and our team are employing with principles everywhere. Ukraine is successfully reforming despite the war. The European Commission's recommendations to start taxation stocks is clear evidence. The myth of most corrupted European country is officially busted. The myth of the frozen transformation is busted and the myth of democracy decline is busted too.
Of course, reforming while fighting is a very hard. Frankly speaking, both cost enormous money. But why not make Russia pay for Ukraine's defense? Reconstructions won't have much sense if they won't win. We seek peace, but not just any peace. In our case, ending the war for all the compromise is nothing more than posing this. Ukraine will not repeat the mistake of Minsk. And I believe that the only right Normandy Format is one described by Ronald Reagan. We are bound by reality. The strength of America alliance is vital to United States and the American security guarantees as essential to continue freedom of European democracies.
My people are enormously grateful to United States for your following this path today. I hope that America will play a leading role in filling the framework of the security commitments established with the G7 villains declaration. Security in all its forms, from nuclear to the food, to the environmental, is one of the three pillars of the President Zelenskyy peaceful formula that I'm sure is globally applicable. The remaining two are justice and humanity.
Restoring Ukrainian integrity is just. Punishing the aggressor is just. Making them to pay is just. And regarding humanity, we need to return all hostages the Russians have taken, both prisoner of war and civilians. But first of all, we need to bring back Ukrainian kids. 10 of thousands of them have been abducted. We are working on all these tracks together with our international partners. These streams are joined, in that I believe they'll soon became an actions plan, to implement the peaceful formula.
I'm sure that the formula can become an universal algorithm for the conflict resolutions. The first time in the history, it opened the opportunity for leadership, for all responsible countries with respect international law. Yes, the formula is Ukrainian but the action plan for its implementation will be collective effort. The formula is a platform that promotes peace and dialect. Today, more than 80 countries are already working on these implementations. Importantly among them, an increasing number are from Global South.
We are literally uniting the world. But these coalitions will never come to light without Americans' involvement. We have already held three meetings of the security advisors to create the actions plan for the implementation of the peace formula. The first meetings was attended by representative from 15 countries and organizations. The second, they had 42 participants and the most recent one had 66. For us, this is a very positive sign.
Peace needs coauthors and then a critical mass is gathered, Russia will have to submit. Let me emphasize, it's going be our common actions plan to make the rules-based order work again. The world would benefit, Ukraine would benefit, America would benefit and what's more, it would be secure its role as a global power of good. For implementing the plan requires effective and decisive leadership.
The leadership that will put to end to aggression. The Woodrow Wilson famous 14 points, he stated they cannot be separated in the interest or divided in purpose. We stand together until the end. Just like a century ago, determinations and unity have given us a unique opportunity to change the world. Let's do it. Thank you very much.Slava Ukraini.
Luke Coffey:
Slava Ukraini. Thank you very much for that very passionate address. You said a lot of messages that need to be heard here in Washington, especially considering the importance and the timing of your visit. As our lawmakers are considering additional US assistance to Ukraine. Here at Hudson, and I'm guessing I can speak on behalf of everyone in this room, we're here for you, we're supporting you and we want to do everything we can to make sure that your country gets the weapons and resources it needs, not to just survive but to win on the battlefield.
Now I want to ask a question going back in time a little bit and it's something that I've often thought about and now I have this opportunity to ask someone who was there at that moment, at that time. Now, I want to go back to the night of February 25th when President Zelenskyy, with you standing behind him and others, outside, in a dark night in Kyiv with all the uncertainty about what was going to happen, sent a message not only to the Ukrainian people but to the world. And he said, "We're all here." And I believe that these three words are probably the most important three words that have been spoken in the 21st century and I think it actually changed the course of history.
So, I would just love to hear, quickly speaking, what was the lead up to that moment? Who came up with this idea to broadcast this message in such a way? It's a very modern, almost millennial way, to address the world during a time of war.
Andriy Yermak:
Thank you very much. I will be very honest with you that just in that moment and till today, not the president, not our team, we not feel ourself as heroes. We do what we have to do in this moment because we understand that what catastroph we really have and of course, it was our obligations to be with our country, our people. And the idea to make this tape belong to the president.
And for him, it was very important to give this signal, first of all to Ukrainians, that the president's in the capitol and the presidents will be fighting together this ... all Ukrainians. If I can mention, I'm today in the morning half in White House, the meetings, the national security advisors from United States of course, from Great Britain, France and Germany. And we recalled our meetings before one week of the full scale invasions.
We met in Brussels and the end of this meeting somebody asked me, "Okay, I understand we discussed a lot of issues, but if it's happened, what you will doing?" I said, "We will fighting." I remember their eyes and of course they don't believe me and just today they said, "Honestly, we feel that maybe with the last time, last time I see you." But now it's-
Luke Coffey:
Now you're back.
Andriy Yermak:
... yeah, it's why it's maybe answer to some people who is said that counteroffensive, it's not so quick, that it's something not happens so quick. This is the answer. What today is my colleagues just said. We never can imagine and believe that we will meet in two years in Washington and we'll discuss about how to help to win Ukraine. And once again, for this moment, we liberated 50% of the territory which was occupied from 24 of the February.
Sometimes it's necessary that our friends, the Americans people, first of all to know the truth, to know the lot of positive things because we already in some part we already win with your leadership, and you are heroes. American is heroes because you give to us so big support, so help, we stop the second army in the world. Now, as I said, the second army in Ukraine. And Americans leadership now to prevent the potential new world war in the Middle East. All of us, all Americans is here. Thank you very much and we Ukrainians never forget that you with us standing from the early days of these full scale invasions and I'm sure our victory will be joint victory of the United States. Thank you.
Luke Coffey:
Absolutely.
Andriy Yermak:
And this is for you.
Luke Coffey:
Absolutely right. I couldn't agree with you more Now we all saw the video about President Zelenskyy's peace formula. I think this is one of the most important messages that American policymakers need to hear and learn about because there are a lot of critics, a lot of skeptics, especially on Capitol Hill, but I don't want to say a lot but they're very loud. So, we have loud skeptics and critics on Capitol Hill who say that President Zelenskyy doesn't want peace, that there is no desire for peace talks. He just wants this war to continue so he can consolidate power.
Now, we all know that this is nonsense, but can you tell us about some of the thinking behind his peace formula? Where are areas of the peace formula that have been more successful than others? What are some areas of the peace formula that need more attention and work? I think this would be very interesting for some of the policymakers here.
Andriy Yermak:
Thank you. First of all, one years ago, the president Zelenskyy announced and proposed his initiatives in the G20 meetings in Bali and why this peaceful plan, peaceful formula so unique? First of all, it's absolutely 100% based of the international law and the principle of the statutes of the United Nations. It's not just about wishes of Ukraine.
Each points based of this principle, plus you can found the special resolution of the general assembly which confirmed, already confirmed, already voted to support these principles. The second, it's really about how to end this war, how to bring just peace because we have some bad experience in the past. Then me personally, I participated, represents Ukraine in the Normandy Format and just from 2019, we have more than 200 rounds of negotiation with Russia and we can see what happened.
Once we have the talkings during 12 hours not stop in the office of the Germany chancellor, and it's not work because we are fightings with Russias and our friends see things like a witness and see to it. I think that have this experience, we're absolutely sure that we need plan. Plan which will be supported by responsible country, includings our strategic partners but also includings the Global South countries who is all natural, or have some good relations with Russia. It gives the statues of this plan that is just planned.
Next, very important, it's maybe first in the history then also difficult negotiations happened, not under the table, not some unformally, confidential. Openly. We are sitting together, we are talking because this plan includes not just about the war, about the crisis which arise as the result of this war. We're talking about food security, we're talking about nuclear security, we're talking about humanitarian things. I'm sorry, today's, we have more than 20,000 Ukrainian childrens kidnapped and deported.
We have the thousands of the prisoners of the war, civilians, military. I'm sorry, we have, in 21st century, we have the international organizations who can be know what necessary to do. Unfortunately, Red Cross, we have not during two years any fact that representative of these organizations, coming for one person who is in the prison in the occupied territory, or in Russia to check the conditions, to check the conditions accordingly to the Geneve conventions and it's a catastroph that we back to the time, the more darkness time of the Second World War. Then we're back concentrated camp.
If I can describe to you what I'm listen because I'm personally involved of the exchange of the prisoners and most import, most famous exchange that we are back 250 people, including American citizens. The Ukrainians who is back, the minimum, the person lost 40 kilo. You can imagine what these people described. What happened in this concentrated camp. Is why we said it's new narcissism, it's new fascism, absolutely. What is interesting, it's not just about this, then our people liberated Kyivska region.
We found original map, the Russian use map of second war from Nazis. They use the same map and it's terrible. It's terrible and we can see now the wave of the antisemitism which we never see after the time of the Second World War. And now we can see this line that today, it's Iran, together with Russia and as I said, now in Middle East, Ukraine and they're looking to the Balkans.
Believe me, if Ukraine not stop and not win, they have not motivation to not go to the Baltic countries, to the Poland. And today, we are fighting. I'd like to say that I come to deceive a short visit to say, Ukraine live, Ukraine fighting. We absolutely sure that we win. Only what we ask, please help us. We not ask, send your soldiers. We ask, continue to keep this support and we definitely, we obviously will win, and this will be ... We back our fightings with your help, we back to all the world, attitude that it's possible not afraid, that it's possible to be real independent.
I think we can't lose this opportunity. It's historical moment. It's historical moment for all of us and once again, thank you that you're standing with Ukraine from the very beginning, any hesitation. And if we compares the real situations, with the running I think for 100 meters, 70 meters we already done. It's most important to really, to win. What we ask.
Luke Coffey:
Recently, the former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen suggested that Ukraine might be able to join NATO under some sort of arrangement that would leave part of your territories under Russian occupation. I'm sure it's a bit more complex than that but that is what he proposed. Is this something that you think is a viable solution, or a non-starter from your point of view?
Andriy Yermak:
When I first time read this article, my first impression was the same. And of course, I speak this my colleagues, with whom we work and have the very successful results, give security compact which on the base of the venues declarations and now more than 30 countries joined this and we already opened the consultation for the security guarantees agreements.
It's opinion of Anders. He didn't mention that because he know our principle, our principles are very clear, very strong. Any compromise with independence, territorial integrity, sovereign. It's his opinion how to make the first steps. He compared the situation the West and East Germany.
It's difficult to say. We have our unique examples and of course for us it's very important to back all our territories, including Donbas, including Crimea and this is our principle. And of course, we see all of us that, especially after this invasion, that one most strong alliance, military alliance, its NATO. One real guarantee security, it's NATO and we're very happy that. And our fighting make this absolutely real facts.
Russia have the zero chances against NATO. Long period of times, there is different positions. The people, some countries just the members of the NATO thinks that it's so strong it's impossible to just thinking because it's big monster. Ukraine absolutely show, not exist this monster. We stop this monster near of the Kyiv. We destroyed this myth about the once again, second army in the world. And we are doing together. Let's finish this job.
Luke Coffey:
We have a bit of time to go to the floor for questions. We have a couple of microphones lying around. We'll start over here on this side then we'll move over to this side here. The gentleman in the front row here, we have a microphone. If you could please state your name and any relevant affiliation, that would be great. Thank you.
Anton LaGuardia:
Thank you. Anton La Guardia of The Economist. You spoke about the need for more weapons and more help to help you win. What happens if Congress either delays further aid to Ukraine or stops it entirely? How will Ukraine cope?
Andriy Yermak:
First of all, I don't believe that it's happen. I don't believe because I feel, and I'm not change my position and after first day here in DC, that Americans change their opinion and their support. I will have tomorrow many meetings in hills. But the last visit with President Zelenskyy and his meetings in the Congress, we still ... and after many visits of the congressmen, senators to Ukraine, of both parties, we still feel very strong bipartisan support in the Congress.
Of course, I can say we never stop, in any case, Ukrainians. The people who is living in Ukraine during these two, practically two years. Who is every night going to sleep and have not guarantees to wake up. But we made our choice. We will be fightings up to our victory but of course, this victory will be more quick and we survive more life if the help will be continued.
Luke Coffey:
Okay, the gentleman in the red tie, gray hair in the middle there. Yep.
Nika Gvaramia:
So, Nika Gvaramia from Georgia. I'm from Mtavari Arkhi, the critical outlets in Georgia.
Andriy Yermak:
Great to see the representative of Georgia here.
Nika Gvaramia:
Yes, but I'm not from government, I'm not Georgian dream. So, I'm ashamed of this but still, Georgians are fighting in Ukraine and doing their best. So, thank you very much for your support of civilized war. I would say that your fight is our fight as well. Ours, I mean here, all of us.
So, my question is you are not just in a warfare but probably in a propaganda war as well. So, you mentioned this speech [foreign langauge]. Actually that was defeat of Russian propaganda, what is very important thing. Because in 2008 in Georgia, in 2014 in Crimea, that was fog of war and Russia actually won propaganda war and then was everything goes easily.
So, what is now your challenges in this sense? I mean, how works Russian propaganda on the ground in Ukraine? Because I know that that is one of the strongest point of Russia. Maybe it's not a second and definitely it's not a second army in the world, but in sense of propaganda, it could be one of the most powerful armies in the world.
Andriy Yermak:
Thank you for these questions. I know I can confirm what you said because I was in Georgia in the first day of the Russian aggressions. I have a lot of friends, I very love your country and I know exactly what happened.
You're absolutely right, the Russian propaganda machine, it's not stopping its work and we are discussed it today during our meetings of the national security advisors. We are talking the colleagues, the G7 and NATO. It's time to very, very coordinate our activity because you know this propaganda machine work everywhere. Unfortunately, it's working here in United States, it's working in the Europe, it's working in Ukraine and of course, only if we will together coordinate, tell the truth what is very important, that the people know the truth. And this is our obligations.
And of course, we are very concentrated on this and we will continue hardly work because it's really in the beginning of the full scale invasions, our initiatives, our so strong unity, the partners, as especially in the area of the informational issue, it's very help. It's very help because today, it's Russia. It's not just terroristic country, it's country of totally lie. They blocked everything. Their people have information just about 10% of the Russian soldiers who is already killed in Ukraine. They not just take body of the killed Russians. They don't tell about this.
And this is why so big. It's two different world. Because for us, life for one person, it's important. For them, they don't calculate people. Absolutely. But you're absolutely right. It's very important things and very important issue.
Luke Coffey:
We got time for two more, the gentlemen in the front and then back on this side.
Misha Komadovsky:
Thank you very much, Misha Komadovsky, the Voice of America. Mr. Yermak, I've got two short questions if I may.
Luke Coffey:
Let's make them very short, sir. Very short.
Misha Komadovsky:
First of all, President Biden is set to meet with President Xi of China in a couple of days and what message would you like him to deliver on behalf of Ukraine? And perhaps there is a message that you would like to deliver to the Chinese delegation? And the second question, you told me in an interview half a year ago that the Ukraine's invitation to NATO would be like a catalyst of peace. Do you still think that it would catalyze the peace in Ukraine? Thank you.
Andriy Yermak:
Thank you. First of all, the message is that it's important that China will play their role to end this war in Ukraine. You know that the representative of China was in Jeddah in the second meeting of the national security advisor but not be in Malta. And we hope because in the level of ambassadors, Chinese ambassadors sometimes participated. We think that it's necessary that China will be in the table. This is one messages. And the second, it's time to be the Ukraine. This country who win this war.
The second, I still in the position that invitation to the NATO, its strong arguments to stop the war. Russia, it's not the country who have the right to decided who will be or not in the members of the NATO. Russia have to recognize new reality. Sweden, Finland, Ukraine will be the members of the NATO. Somebody already, Ukraine in the future.
Bart Marcois:
Hi, Bart Marcois. I'm a retired diplomat, retired senior official.
Luke Coffey:
Sorry. All right, we're going to take both together quickly.
Bart Marcois:
Oh, I beg your pardon. I thought you were pointing at me.
Luke Coffey:
No, sorry it's ... probably I directed traffic incorrectly. You're both over there, so let's just take them back to back and then we'll let Mr. Yermak get out of here.
Bart Marcois:
Sorry. Beg your pardon.
Luke Coffey:
No worries, go ahead.
Bart Marcois:
I just wanted to ask you, I've admired for the last couple of years your use of diplomacy, public diplomacy, the broad spectrum of diplomatic tools. I'd like to ask you about a part of the spectrum we don't usually talk much about. We've seen some really impressive performances by Caro Budinoff and his intelligence apparatus, but we don't hear much about the foreign intelligence group. Can you talk a little bit about what they're doing and their contributions to ... I didn't mean to be funny, I'm sorry.
Luke Coffey:
We'll take both together and then-
Josh Rogan:
Okay, thank you. Josh Rogan, Washington Post, first of all, well done. Oldest trick in the book. Start talking. Sir, I want to ask you about the winter situation in Ukraine. Winter is coming. Last winter we saw broad-scale attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Are you're expecting that again? If so, what preparations have you put in place?
What do you need to protect Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and what would be the consequence if as some pro-Ukraine Republicans are saying, if Congress gives you the military aid but not the economic aid? A lot of even pro-Ukraine Republicans say give them ... like Nikki Haley, Senator Graham say, "You can have the weapons but not the money." What would be the consequence if that ends up being the decision? Thank you.
Andriy Yermak:
It'll be wrong. I think, as why we continue our meetings and we'll continue tomorrow, to explain that it's important. And we have the very strong arguments and I hope that our colleagues will heard it. And of course, we're preparing for the tough winter and one year and we have some preparations. We're better prepared for this winter. But it's still a lot of concerns it's why of course we are sure that Russia continued this strategy to attack of our infrastructure. One questions, we need more, our defense.
And your questions. I can say very shortly. In our big team, a lot of kind of intelligence, including foreign intelligence. We are work closely and in big group of the people. And believe me, what you can see, it's the result of the working of all our militaries intelligence. And we will continue this because we need to win.
Luke Coffey:
All right, well, you're looking at one of the busiest men in Washington right now.
Andriy Yermak:
Thank you. Thank you.
Luke Coffey:
So we have to get going.
Andriy Yermak:
Thank you very much-
Luke Coffey:
Thank you so much.
Andriy Yermak:
... for all of you.