Ukraine has reconfigured its negotiating team to include top military leadership, signaling a strategic shift in how Kyiv approaches peace discussions with Russia. Armed forces commander Andrii Hnatov now participates directly in talks alongside Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Security Council head Rustem Umerov.
This change followed the resignation of Andrii Yermak, who had served as President Zelenskyy’s chief of staff and primary negotiator with the United States. Yermak’s departure amid a corruption investigation necessitated restructuring the Ukrainian delegation, providing an opportunity to bring military perspectives directly into the diplomatic process.
The inclusion of military leadership reflects Ukraine’s determination to ensure any peace agreement adequately addresses security concerns. Hnatov’s presence means that military operational realities and defense requirements will factor prominently into negotiations, potentially strengthening Ukraine’s position on issues like territorial integrity and military capabilities.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner met with the revised Ukrainian team in Florida over the weekend. The discussions focused on modifying Trump’s controversial peace framework, which initially proposed significant concessions including territorial losses, military limitations, and abandonment of NATO aspirations.
President Zelenskyy expressed confidence in the new arrangement, stating that the delegation would “swiftly and substantively work out the steps needed to end the war.” The military-diplomatic combination aims to ensure Ukraine can evaluate proposed terms through both strategic and practical lenses. As negotiations continue, with American envoys preparing for Moscow talks this week, the composition of Ukraine’s team may prove crucial in achieving what Zelenskyy calls a “dignified end” to the conflict.
Ukraine’s Military Leadership Joins Peace Talks as Negotiating Strategy Shifts
