Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, Andrii Yermak, has been appointed to lead the delegation for negotiations on ending the war with Russia. The delegation also includes his deputy Pavlo Palisa, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The delegation’s composition was approved by President Volodymyr Zelensky. These same officials previously represented Ukraine in talks with the United States on March 11 in Saudi Arabia.
The delegation was formed to engage with international partners in pursuit of a just peace. If needed, Yermak has the authority to adjust its composition in coordination with the Foreign Ministry and to involve government officials, academic advisors, and experts.
During the talks in Jeddah, Ukraine agreed to a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, but Russian President Vladimir Putin refused an immediate commitment, insisting that details needed to be discussed first. He also demanded that Ukraine halt arms supplies, military mobilization, and troop training during the ceasefire period.
U.S. President Donald Trump expects the Kremlin to clarify its position by March 17. Meanwhile, Zelensky accused Russia of deliberately stalling to improve its battlefield situation. Ukraine is already forming a team responsible for preparing and monitoring a potential ceasefire. Their key task is to determine how to enforce and oversee the ceasefire, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in an interview with Japan’s NHK.
"This is very difficult. We have had bitter experience—25 ceasefires were declared, and Russia violated all 25... So we can expect provocations, and we need a proper mechanism to monitor the front line or whatever it may be at this stage," Sybiha stated. He noted that daily clashes occur along a 1,300-kilometer frontline, and one option for oversight could involve international observers under the aegis of a global organization.
Sybiha also called for pressure on Russia to accept the ceasefire proposal, allowing negotiations to move forward toward a long-term and just peace. He stressed that Ukraine will not compromise on its territorial integrity and sovereignty and that only force can deter another Russian attack.
"If we talk about a ceasefire or a potential agreement, concrete guarantees are crucial. Our European partners are even prepared to deploy troops in Ukraine. Security guarantees also include air patrols, strengthening our naval capabilities in the Black Sea with allied support, and ensuring freedom of navigation infrastructure. We are working closely with our partners to achieve this," Sybiha said.
He emphasized that no country has the right to restrict Ukraine's choice of alliances or impose limitations on its military capabilities.
