According to the Telegraph, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Pokrovsk, an eastern city that played a key role in the war, to encourage the spirit of soldiers ahead of the ceasefire talks scheduled for March 24.
At the Pokrovsk Fighting Group Command, President Zelensky presented medals to the soldiers operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) - an elite force that is making an important contribution to the city's defense.
He received reports from commanders on the military and defense situation, and affirmed the importance of UAVs in helping Ukraine compensate for the disadvantages of military numbers and firepower.
Pokrovsk has been a major target for Russia in Donbass since last fall. However, in recent weeks, Ukraine has shown signs of counterattacking, despite great pressure.
Mr Zelensky's visit comes right before delegations from Kiev and Moscow join the negotiations in Saudi Arabia. Instead of meeting in person, the sides will work separately, with the intermediaries of US diplomatic officials. This "external handover" method is often applied in conflict negotiations to create a premise for further progress.
Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a 30-day ceasefire, in which the parties pledged not to attack each other's energy infrastructure. However, both Russia and Ukraine have since accused each other of violating the deal.
The upcoming negotiations are expected to clarify the terms related to the suspension of airstrikes on energy infrastructure and naval targets in the Black Sea.
US President Donald Trump is seeking to promote a comprehensive ceasefire along the entire front line, but the negotiations have encountered many obstacles. Russia requires any agreement to include a commitment to limit NATO's presence in the East, and requires Ukraine not to join the alliance. However, Kiev and its allies have shown no signs of conceding under the above conditions.
Although Ukraine is under great pressure on the battlefield, military sources confirmed that there is no immediate risk of collapse. This means that Kiev is unlikely to accept a ceasefire if it has to make unfavorable guarantees.
