A Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, has departed for the United States to continue negotiations on a potential agreement to end the ongoing conflict. This was announced on Saturday by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
President Zelenskyy stated, “Rustem reported today, and the task is clear: to work quickly and substantively on the necessary steps to end the war.” He expressed optimism for a resolution following prior meetings with U.S. representatives in Geneva.
Umerov’s appointment as head of the negotiating team was formalized by presidential decree. Zelenskyy also shared a photo of his meeting with Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, who is also a member of the delegation, noting that they had identified “some important points in the negotiation process.”
According to the decree, the delegation includes Oleksandr Bevz, an advisor from Zelenskyy’s office; Andriy Hnatov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces; Oleh Ivashchenko, Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service; Serhiy Kyslytsia, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; and several other officials.
The previous head of the negotiating team was Andriy Yermak, the former head of Zelenskyy’s office. Last week, Kyiv, Washington, and Western allies engaged in discussions regarding the 28 points of a proposed peace plan. Adjustments were made, however, Russia has reportedly rejected the proposed framework.
