On March 28, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the United States is willing to provide security guarantees for Ukraine only after Ukrainian forces withdraw from the Donbas region. This position comes amid diplomatic disagreements with US politicians, in particular Marco Rubio, who claims that the US never pressured Ukraine with such demands and that guarantees will only be considered after the end of the war.
Zelensky also reported his recent visits to Gulf countries, highlighting new defense contracts with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, agreements on joint weapons production, energy cooperation, and training programs for Ukrainian soldiers. At least three countries, he said, are now planning to sign long-term defense deals with Ukraine.
The President denied reports of Ukrainian casualties following an alleged Iranian strike on a Ukrainian drone facility in Dubai. Both the Foreign Ministry and the President's Office refuted this information, stressing that the ongoing conflict produces many fake news reports from different sides.
Besides key statements about western aid and security, Zelensky focused on persistent issues surrounding arms supplies to Ukraine, including problems with joint procurement programs with Western partners. He also revealed the existence of illegal drone production sites in various countries, technology leaks, and corruption in the arms sector.
The Middle East conflict is escalating, with Yemen's Houthis attacking Israel and Iran accusing the US and Israel of striking strategic facilities. Ukraine's General Staff confirmed strikes against a facility in Russia's Samara region, while Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure continue.
Within Ukraine, mobilization issues persist: dozens of women in Kharkiv were mistakenly put on a wanted list as medical workers. Authorities promised to correct the mistake, but the process remains challenging.
Analysts note that relations between the US and Ukraine are becoming more complicated, with potential mediators such as Europe or China possibly emerging. Meanwhile, security and defense cooperation remain crucial issues for Ukraine amid the ongoing war.
