Ukraine prepares for important US-brokered talks in Saudi Arabia to stop Russian aggression. Meanwhile, Kyiv and other cities are experiencing new massive attacks. Despite diplomatic efforts, the war continues. Zelensky calls on the Allies to act decisively.
Zelensky calls on allies to increase pressure on Russia
Zelenskyy stressed that Russia is trying to implement a scenario of seizing Ukrainian territory, but Ukraine will resist. He thanked the armed forces and partners for their support, including the United States, and called on allies not to delay in providing assistance.
In particular, Zelenskyy called on international partners to increase pressure on Russia to stop the attacks ahead of the planned ceasefire talks. After all, despite a partial ceasefire agreement, Russian drones continue to attack Kyiv, Zaporizhzhya and other cities, causing numerous casualties and significant damage.
Talks in Saudi Arabia
US-Ukraine and US-Russia talks have already begun, in Saudi Arabia. The United States will act as a mediator, and the talks will focus on a cease-fire in the Black Sea, ensuring the safety of shipping, and ending attacks on energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian delegation will be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The U.S. is seeking a cease-fire by April 20.
British Prime Minister: London will not choose between US and Europe
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, that it would be strategically wrong for the UK to choose between the US and Europe, as historically the country has always balanced between these two partners.
Starmer noted that he agrees with US President Donald Trump's position on the need to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities. He is also working to create a "coalition of the willing" - a multinational military force that will ensure Ukraine's security after a peace agreement is reached. However, Britain faces difficulties, as Russia rejects the idea of a NATO peacekeeping force and the Trump administration has yet to provide security guarantees that would allow other countries to contribute troops.
Starmer stressed that London cannot wait and must act decisively to prevent Putin from using the peace agreement as a pretext for renewed aggression.
Zelensky in Kharkiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting of the military cabinet in Kharkiv to discuss the situation on the front and preparations for important talks with the US delegation in Saudi Arabia.
The meeting was attended by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov, Head of the Presidential Administration Andriy Yermak and his deputy Pavlo Palisa. The main topics of the meeting were the operational situation in the Zaporizhia, Donetsk, Kharkiv and Sumy sectors, as well as the progress of the operation in the Kursk region. Special attention was paid to the upcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine, together with the United States, will look for ways to achieve a ceasefire and strengthen defense.
Massive drone attacks
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga strongly condemned the massive Russian drone attack on Kyiv, which resulted in the death of civilians, including a five-year-old child. He stressed Ukraine's urgent need for additional air defense capabilities.
Sibiga stressed that Russia is systematically terrorizing the civilian population, which contradicts its own statements about its readiness for peace talks. In his view, such attacks undermine the diplomatic efforts of the United States and international partners to find a way out of the conflict.
Author: Danylo Pievchev