On March 20, Valerii Klychok summed up the main political and military events. Tomorrow, a Ukrainian delegation will travel to the US for peace negotiations. President Zelensky expects clear dates from partners, though he acknowledges that the Middle East situation is causing delays. The Ukrainian side will be represented by a political group, since military cooperation has already achieved some progress. Zelensky expressed concern over the US decision to ease sanctions against Russia and Belarus, hoping Europe will not do the same.
Kremlin spokesman Peskov emphasized that Russia will not participate in the upcoming Ukraine-US talks and blamed Europe for escalating the crisis. Moscow also offered support to Cuba after the US banned Cuban imports of Russian oil.
The Baltic states are seeing rising tension: there are reports of Putin preparing for possible provocations in the region, including unrest around the rights of Russian speakers. This may be used to pressure Europe. Putin also held a meeting of his Security Council, with the possibility of international phone calls left open.
According to a KIIS survey, 71% of Ukrainians do not believe the current peace talks with the US and Russia will lead to lasting peace; 25% remain hopeful. Amid Middle East conflicts, Russia is strengthening its position and budget, finding no reason to halt aggression.
Zelensky noted Ukraine received Pentagon requests for support against threats in the Middle East and is eager to share expertise. Meanwhile, The Times reports Western use of Patriot systems is less effective than Ukraine's more controlled tactics, preserving expensive ammunition.
Trump harshly criticized NATO, calling allies cowards for not joining the US military operation to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. This has worsened divisions within the alliance as Europeans are reluctant to get directly involved. The potential for Baltic conflict adds to the turmoil amid growing tension among allies.
The US and partners are considering controlling Khark Island in the Persian Gulf to pressure Iran, with American forces already striking near the region. The main goal is to control this strategic oil export route.
Fighting continues in Ukraine: the General Staff confirmed the downing of a Russian A-50 aircraft; Ukrainian forces struck key sites in Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia; the 66th Mechanized Brigade repelled an assault, eliminating 43 occupiers and enemy equipment. For the first time, FPV drones destroyed a Russian K-52 helicopter in Donetsk Oblast.
Ukraine's Ministry of Finance published a new tax bill: automatic VAT payer registration for sole proprietors, new parcel taxes, continued military levy. The Times warned of possible Ukraine-US tensions due to the unfeasibility of holding elections during the war, even as Trump and Moscow insist on elections as a part of any peace deal.
