Zelensky Leads Military Cabinet in Kharkiv Prior to US Talks in Saudi Arabia
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Synopsis
On March 23, Ukrainian President Zelensky held a military cabinet meeting in Kharkiv, focusing on frontline conditions and preparations for talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. Key military leaders were briefed on strategic discussions, including the ceasefire efforts and ongoing operations.
Key Takeaways
- Meeting held in Kharkiv to discuss military strategy.
- Preparation for talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia.
- Focus on ceasefire and frontline developments.
- Attendees included top military and government leaders.
- Previous tensions between Ukraine and the U.S. addressed.
Kyiv, March 23 (NationPress) On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky convened a session of the military cabinet in Kharkiv, as reported by media outlets.
The discussions revolved around the current situation on the frontlines and preparations for an upcoming meeting with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. The Kyiv Independent reported this.
During the session, Zelensky received updates from Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Andrii Hnatov.
Andriy Yermak, the Head of the President's Office, along with his deputy, Pavlo Palisa, were also present.
Key topics addressed included:
"We focused on the situation at the front and the developments in primary areas — Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Sumy — as well as operations in the Kursk region. We made preparations for the forthcoming meeting between the Ukrainian and American delegations, scheduled for tomorrow in Saudi Arabia," Zelensky stated on Sunday.
Ukrainian and U.S. officials are anticipated to gather in Saudi Arabia on March 24 for ongoing peace discussions, as highlighted by President Zelensky in a social media post on Wednesday.
Following a phone interaction between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18, a temporary ceasefire regarding energy infrastructure strikes was established.
A subsequent call took place on March 19 between Zelensky and Trump to review the previous day's dialogue with Putin, leading Zelensky to agree to halt strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
Zelensky's announcement coincides with remarks from U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who stated on March 19 via X that discussions between Russian and American delegations regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine will also occur on March 24 in Riyadh.
"Ukrainian and American teams are prepared to convene in Saudi Arabia in the upcoming days to continue aligning steps toward peace. We have instructed our advisors and representatives to expedite this work," said Zelensky after the call.
Zelensky emphasized that the U.S. and Ukrainian delegations would keep working on technical issues concerning the partial ceasefire.
During a joint press briefing with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki on March 20, Zelensky mentioned that Kyiv intends to compile a list of energy, infrastructure, and civilian sites that Russia must refrain from attacking and will present this document to international partners.
"In forthcoming meetings, delegations can reach agreements on all essential factors for progressing toward a sustainable peace and security assurances," he remarked.
The Ukrainian and U.S. delegations last met in Saudi Arabia on March 11, where Ukraine accepted a U.S. proposal for a comprehensive ceasefire. However, Russia did not consent to a full ceasefire.
Before the March 11 meeting, relations between Ukraine and the U.S. had hit a low, following a heated exchange between Zelensky and Trump at the White House on February 28.
U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine experienced a temporary pause until the two parties reconvened in Saudi Arabia on March 11.
Included in the Ukrainian delegation are Andriy Yermak, Zelensky's Chief of Staff, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa.
