Ukraine's Foreign Minister explains why the only way to victory for now is military
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba believes that negotiations with the Kremlin will become possible when Russia withdraws its troops from Ukraine, but for now, it is stubbornly and defiantly attempting to achieve its goals with weapons.
Source: Dmytro Kuleba in an interview with Radio Liberty
Quote: "If there is a diplomatic solution and a way to save people’s lives and health, soldiers and civilians, then of course diplomacy is preferable.
But as of now, Russia is being stubborn and believes that it can still achieve some of its goals through military means, and we are showing them, together with our partners, that it will not achieve them through military means. So, for now, the path to victory is purely military.
If Russia voluntarily withdraws from the territory of Ukraine to save the lives of its soldiers, then the way will be opened for some kind of negotiations. But right now? Well, how?
I don't think anyone can allow themselves to come out and say - or not even come out, but say somewhere in a closed office - that I don't fully support the liberation of Ukrainian territories."
Details: Kuleba is convinced that the allies support Ukraine's desire to regain control of its lands within the internationally recognised 1991 borders, including militarily.
When asked if there are any louder voices saying that the time for diplomacy has come, the foreign minister replied: "No. It is still too soon. I think these voices will try to sound louder towards the end of the year."
"But both our guys on the front line, and we on the diplomatic front, are working to ensure that these people do not prevent Ukraine from bringing its victory closer," Kuleba said.
Background:
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine would be ready for a diplomatic settlement of the war only when its 1991 borders are restored, while "peace" without Crimea under Ukraine's control would not be considered a victory.
- Zelenskyy believes Russian President Vladimir Putin will be forced to seek dialogue when Ukrainian troops are at the administrative border with occupied Crimea.
- Mykhailo Podoliak, adviser to the head of the President’s Office, said last year that Ukraine has never completely abandoned negotiations with Russia, but it has a clear condition – the withdrawal of Russian forces from the territory of Ukraine.
- Czech President Petr Pavel believes that all of Ukraine's achievements on the battlefield by the end of 2023 will become the basis for negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.
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