Ukraine replaces army chief of staff, Russia sets conditions for peace talks

Major General Andriy Hnatov was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian army to push through military reforms, while Russia set conditions for NATO on the possibility of peace talks to end the conflict with Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on March 16 appointed Major General Andriy Hnatov as Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian army, replacing Lieutenant General Anatoliy Barhilevych, to promote military reform.

"We are constantly changing our armed forces to make them more combat-ready. To achieve that, we are changing the management system and setting clear standards," Reuters reported on March 17, citing a statement from Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Why did Ukraine suddenly change its Chief of General Staff?

Mr Hnatov has 27 years of military experience, rising through the ranks from commanding a marine brigade to commanding troops in the Donetsk region. Mr Umerov said Mr Barhilevych would move on to oversee standards and strengthening discipline in the army.

With the war entering its fourth year, Ukraine is looking to restructure and strengthen its military to counter Russia.

General Hnatov (right) during a meeting with President Zelensky at the front line near Pokrovsk on June 24, 2024

Ukraine is at a disadvantage on the battlefield as its army retreats from Russia's Kursk region and battles under growing pressure in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian troops have been advancing for months.

Military analysts estimate that about 880,000 people are currently serving in the Ukrainian armed forces.

Despite the wartime challenges, Ukraine has made changes to its military, appointing younger commanders with combat experience and supporting innovation. Last year, Ukraine launched a dedicated drone force.

Earlier this year, Ukrainian military officials said the country would move from a brigade system to a “corps” system of larger units, aimed at improving coordination between forces spread across more than 1,000 kilometers of frontline and speeding up decision-making.

Regarding the war, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on March 17 that Russia launched a drone attack on the city at night and that the air defense forces tried to counter it. Witnesses said they heard explosions in some areas of the city, like the sound of an air defense system in operation.

What does Putin want from the ceasefire in Ukraine?

Regarding the peace talks, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said on March 17 that his country will seek assurances from NATO that it will exclude Ukraine from joining the alliance. Accordingly, Ukraine will have to be neutral in any peace agreement.

"We will demand strong security guarantees as part of the agreement. Part of these guarantees should be Ukraine's neutrality, the refusal of NATO countries to accept it into the alliance," Reuters quoted Mr. Grushko as saying.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ukraine-thay-tong-tham-muu-truong-quan-doi-nga-neu-dieu-kien-hoa-dam-185250317063846979.htm