Ukrainian president orders creation of team for security talks ahead of London meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has instructed the Ministry of Defence to establish a dedicated team to work closely with Ukraine's Western partners in implementing decisions made at the military-political level concerning the country’s security system.

President Zelenskyy held a crucial meeting with Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and the newly appointed Chief of General Staff Andriy Hnatov, during which they discussed the ongoing situation at the frontlines and the country’s cooperation with international partners on security matters, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

Zelenskyy announced that he had instructed Minister Umerov to form a specialized team to work on the details of Ukraine’s security system and to implement the decisions made at the military-political level. This team will participate in an upcoming meeting of military representatives in London, scheduled for this week.

"Meeting with the Minister of Defence of Ukraine Rustem Umerov and the new Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov. We discussed the situation at the front and in cooperation with partners regarding security guarantees for Ukraine. I have identified key tasks," Zelenskyy shared, emphasizing the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

The President specifically instructed Minister Umerov to ensure the immediate formation of a team dedicated to working with international partners on all aspects of Ukraine's security system. The team will also play a role in implementing the decisions taken at previous military-political meetings. This week's meeting in London will be an important part of this ongoing cooperation.

Zelenskyy also reiterated the critical role of Ukraine's Defence and Security Forces, the defence-industrial complex, and its multi-level partnerships in maintaining the nation's independence. "The Defence and Security Forces of Ukraine, the defence-industrial complex and multi-level cooperation with partners are the basis of our independence," he wrote on social media.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked that the "coalition of the willing" was entering the operational phase, with a meeting of European military officials set for March 20, signaling continued international support for Ukraine's security efforts.

By Vafa Guliyeva