Zelensky Leads Military Cabinet Meeting in Kharkiv Ahead of US Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a military cabinet meeting in Kharkiv to discuss front line conditions and prepare for upcoming peace talks with US officials in Saudi Arabia. The meeting involved key military leaders and is part of ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire amid strained US-Ukrainian relations.

On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky convened a military cabinet meeting in Kharkiv, focusing on frontline conditions and preparations for upcoming discussions with US officials in Saudi Arabia. Key figures such as Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, and Chief of General Staff Andrii Hnatov provided briefings to President Zelensky during the meeting, which was also attended by the Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak and his deputy Pavlo Palisa.

President Zelensky emphasized the discussions, stating, “We discussed the situation at the front and the developments in main directions — Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Sumy — as well as the course of the operation in the Kursk region. We also prepared for the meeting between the Ukrainian and American delegations, which will take place tomorrow in Saudi Arabia.” The planned meeting is set for March 24, focusing on continued peace talks.

The dialogue comes after a recent conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which led to an agreement on a partial ceasefire concerning energy infrastructure strikes. Zelensky acknowledged that he had subsequently spoken with Trump to address the details surrounding this ceasefire arrangement. US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz also noted that discussions regarding the ceasefire between Russian and American delegations would occur simultaneously in Riyadh on March 24.

Following their conversation, President Zelensky stated, “Ukrainian and American teams are ready to meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to continue coordinating steps toward peace.” He highlighted that both teams would focus on resolving technical issues related to the ceasefire. At a joint press conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Zelensky declared that Ukraine would compile a list detailing energy and civilian sites that Russia must cease attacking.

In a recent meeting on March 11 in Saudi Arabia, Ukrainian and US delegations discussed an agreement for a complete ceasefire, which Russia ultimately did not accept. The relationship between Ukraine and the US had previously experienced tensions, particularly after a contentious exchange between Zelensky and Trump last month, which led to a temporary pause in US military aid and intelligence sharing.

In summary, President Zelensky’s recent military cabinet meeting underscores Ukraine’s strategic preparations for upcoming peace talks with the US and highlights ongoing military concerns on various fronts. The impending discussions in Saudi Arabia aim to establish a framework for a partial ceasefire, with both Ukrainian and American officials seeking to coordinate efforts for achieving peace. The evolving dynamics of these diplomatic engagements illustrate Ukraine’s firm commitment to enhancing security and addressing conflict-related issues effectively.

Original Source: ommcomnews.com