UPDATE - Senior Ukrainian officials hold talks with US special representative on war

ADDS UKRAINE DELEGATION'S VISIT WITH US SPECIAL ENVOY STEVE WITKOFF

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - A delegation of top Ukrainian officials including Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential office, met Tuesday with US special representative for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg in Washington, DC.

"We discussed the situation on the front, the results of the meetings in Istanbul, the importance of strengthening sanctions against Russia and defense assistance to Ukraine," Yermak said in a statement.

Istanbul hosted the second round of Russia-Ukraine talks on Monday after the first one on May 16. This time, the two sides agreed to exchange more prisoners of war --- focusing on the youngest and most severely wounded -- and return the bodies of 6,000 soldiers from each side.

Yermak said they also exchanged views on the issue of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

Stressing that Ukraine has handed over the lists to Russia, he said they are waiting for a response.

"It is important to return them home. This is an important issue, and we appreciate that the US is included in the process," he added.

Last month, a group of US senators introduced a resolution for the return of abducted Ukrainian children from Russia before any peace agreement is finalized to end the Ukraine war.

"I said that Russia is doing everything not to cease fire. And this should be stopped by force, because Ukraine has done everything to stop the war. But if Russia does not cease fire voluntarily, we are forced to conduct operations and destroy their military potential," said Yermak.

He also expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his support for Ukraine.

- 'Russia’s position remains unconstructive'

Separately, the delegation met with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and they discussed the track of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul.

"Russia’s position remains unconstructive,” Yermak said.

"I emphasized that Russia is stalling and manipulating the negotiation process in an attempt to avoid American sanctions and has no genuine intention of ceasing hostilities. Only strong sanctions can compel Russia to engage in serious negotiations.”

Yermak said he briefed Witkoff on the "real situation" on the battlefield and invited him to visit Ukraine to witness the situation firsthand.

"We need a ceasefire — we have fully supported the U.S. proposal on this since March. We are also ready for a leaders’ meeting, which Russia continues to avoid," he added.