Ukraine’s foreign minister on the peace summit in Switzerland, what Donald Trump would mean for his country, and the similarities between the Conservative Party and Labour.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is preparing for the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland on 15 and 16 June, which aims to advance Ukraine’s peace formula for a just and lasting end to the war. The summit is a significant diplomatic event, especially as it follows four rounds of discussions held in recent months. However, Ukraine faces considerable pressure to attract a diverse and powerful group of attendees. While U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration will be represented by Vice President Kamala Harris, several influential countries, including China, may not be represented at all. Saudi Arabia and Brazil’s participation is also uncertain, though last-minute changes to guest lists remain a possibility.
Kuleba spoke with me in Kyiv on 5 June, providing insight into the state of both Ukraine’s military and diplomatic efforts. While the frontline situation remains tense and developments continue at a slow pace, there is a shift in focus towards diplomacy. The country’s leadership is keen to ensure that Ukraine maintains control over the direction of peace talks, resisting any external attempts to negotiate terms on its behalf. The foreign minister acknowledged the delicate moment Ukraine finds itself in, with increasingly complicated relationships with its Western partners, as tensions rise and the war drags on.
The peace summit is pivotal in shaping the narrative around Ukraine’s war and its path to peace, especially as global power dynamics shift. Kuleba recognized the complexities in dealing with the growing frustration among Western partners, who are deeply invested in the conflict but may not agree on every aspect of the strategy. The war, which has continued for over a year, has not only caused severe human suffering but also strained international alliances, with diplomatic channels now at a crossroads.
Kuleba’s comments also extended to the larger geopolitical context, where Ukraine is navigating delicate relationships with major players like China. While Ukraine has not publicly stated its full stance on China’s role in the conflict, Kuleba hinted that his country knows more about China’s intentions than has been revealed. This is a reference to ongoing diplomatic interactions and the careful balancing act Ukraine must perform as it strives to secure support from various global powers, all while managing internal and external pressures.
As Ukraine continues to push for stronger backing from its allies, the stakes are becoming higher. The country’s leadership is fully aware that the outcome of this conflict will not only shape the future of Ukraine but could also redefine Europe’s security architecture. The road to peace remains long and fraught with challenges, but the peace summit is a crucial moment for Ukraine to assert its priorities on the global stage.
Ukraine’s hopes for the summit lie not only in solidifying support from its existing allies but also in reaching out to new ones who might be pivotal in the next phases of the war. Kuleba has emphasized the importance of not allowing others to dictate Ukraine’s terms for peace, positioning the country at the center of the discussion. The outcome of these negotiations will have lasting implications, both for Ukraine’s future and for the broader international order.
Looking ahead, Kuleba is aware of the geopolitical shifts that may come into play, including the potential impact of foreign leaders like Donald Trump. The possibility of his return to power in the U.S. would carry significant weight for Ukraine’s diplomatic strategy, further complicating the already intricate relationships with Western powers. As the war continues, Ukraine must navigate not just military strategies but the diplomatic landscape that is continuously evolving, shaping its future at every turn.
