The head of the Ukrainian president's office, Andrey Yermak, leads a special delegation to participate in negotiations with Russia to end the war. Yermak's deputy Pavlo Palisa, Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov are also part of the delegation. This composition has been approved by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. It is worth noting that this delegation also participated in negotiations held with the US in Saudi Arabia on March 11.
Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga emphasized that the main goal of the delegation is to achieve a "just peace" through cooperation with international partners. According to him, if necessary, Yermak has the right to change the composition and involve state officials, scientific advisors, and experts.
At the same time, although Ukraine accepted the US's 30-day ceasefire proposal during the negotiation process, Russian President Vladimir Putin did not immediately agree to this proposal and preferred to discuss the details of the negotiations. Putin also proposed conditions for Ukraine to receive weapons, conduct mobilization, and halt military preparations. Donald Trump is expecting a response from the Kremlin by March 17.
According to Ukrainian President Zelensky, Russia is deliberately prolonging the process of ending the war because it wants to improve its position on the battlefield. Ukraine is also forming a special team to prepare and monitor the peace process. Its main task is to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire regime.
Andrey Sibiga, Ukraine's foreign minister, acknowledges the complexity of the negotiations and notes: "We have bitter experience. A ceasefire has been announced 25 times, but all have been violated by Russia." Therefore, Ukraine emphasizes the need for strong mechanisms to control the front line and counter provocations at this time. Sibiga also mentioned that clashes are occurring daily along the 1300-kilometer front line and that international organizations' observers should be involved to monitor this.
There are also calls from Ukraine to exert pressure on Russia and force it to cease fire. This, in turn, provides an opportunity to sit at the negotiating table and achieve a long-term and just peace.
Additionally, Andrey Sibiga emphasized that no country in the world has the right to obstruct the choice of the Ukrainian people to join any alliance or impose restrictions on the country's military capabilities.
