**Ukraine Appoints New Chief of General Staff**
On March 16, Ukraine appointed Andrii Hnatov as the new chief of the General Staff. This comes as part of a military reform that Kyiv is implementing to enhance combat effectiveness.
Hnatov has over 27 years of experience in the military and has previously commanded a marine brigade, Operational Command East formation, and the Joint Forces of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. He will replace Anatolii Barhylevych, who took on the role in February 2024.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that Hnatov was promoted as part of a systematic transformation of the Armed Forces to boost their combat effectiveness. The minister added that Ukraine is trying to modernize its army by implementing a corps system instead of a brigade one, drawing on experience from NATO partners.
**Russia Continues Attacks on Ukraine**
Meanwhile, Russian troops attacked Ukraine with 90 drones, targeting several regions including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa. The Air Force reported that the attacks occurred on multiple fronts, but did not provide further details.
The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces posted battlefield maps on social media showing a complete retreat from Sudzha. Russian forces suffered 1,400 casualties over the past day.
**International Support for Ukraine**
Western leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine following a virtual summit hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Leaders from 25 countries attended the summit to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine.
Polish President Andrzej Duda said that Ukraine must be sovereign and independent for there to be peace, as Russia’s occupation of Ukraine would only lead to the end of the war.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office stated that Italy does not plan to participate in a peacekeeping force on the ground in eastern Ukraine to guarantee a potential ceasefire.
U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as Washington attempts to persuade Moscow to accept a 30-day ceasefire deal.
**Children Injured in Attacks**
Two girls, aged 11 and 3 years old, were injured in the attacks and are being treated at a medical facility in Dnipro. The regional Governor Serhii Lysak reported that the children are in moderate condition.
The situation remains tense as Ukraine continues to face Russian aggression.
