Zelensky Addresses Military Cabinet in Kharkiv Ahead of U.S. Peace Talks
Ukrainian President Zelensky held a military cabinet meeting in Kharkiv, discussing frontline conditions and preparations for upcoming peace talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. Key military leaders attended, and the meeting addressed critical operational strategies and the prospect of a partial ceasefire following recent discussions between U.S. and Russian leaders. Zelensky emphasized the importance of continued coordination between delegations to achieve lasting peace.
On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky convened a meeting of his military cabinet in Kharkiv, focusing on frontline conditions and preparations for forthcoming discussions with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. Attendees included key military leaders such as Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov, alongside the Head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, and his deputy, Pavlo Palisa.
The meeting addressed critical issues such as the status of operations on the frontlines concerning regions like Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Sumy, as well as ongoing military actions in the Kursk area. President Zelensky expressed that preparations for the imminent Ukrainian and American delegations’ meeting on March 24 were also a focus. He remarked on social media about the significance of these talks for advancing peace efforts.
Zelensky’s announcement follows recent conversations between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which led to a partial ceasefire concerning energy infrastructure strikes. Zelensky and Trump discussed the implications of this conversation, leading to Zelensky’s consensus to halt attacks on Russian energy facilities.
Moreover, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz announced that discussions between U.S. and Russian delegates for a ceasefire in Ukraine are also set for March 24 in Riyadh. Zelensky indicated that both teams are poised to address “technical issues” related to the partial ceasefire during these discussions.
In a press conference alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Zelensky stated that Kyiv is working on compiling a list of energy and civilian targets that Russia is expected to refrain from attacking. He expressed optimism about advancing negotiations towards a lasting peace and security guarantees in subsequent meetings, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with international partners.
The previous meeting between the Ukrainian and U.S. delegations occurred on March 11, where Ukraine accepted a proposal for a complete ceasefire. However, Russia did not concur. Tensions had prior escalated between Ukraine and the U.S. due to a contentious interaction between Zelensky and Trump on February 28, leading to a temporary halt in U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing until the March 11 discussions. The Ukrainian delegation includes key figures such as Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa.
In conclusion, President Zelensky’s recent military cabinet meeting in Kharkiv underscores the urgent issues being addressed in anticipation of the upcoming peace talks with U.S. officials. Both parties aim to mitigate ongoing hostilities while formulating strategies for a sustainable ceasefire and broader negotiations. The continued collaboration between Ukraine and the United States is pivotal for establishing future peace frameworks amidst the current geopolitical tensions.
Original Source: ommcomnews.com
