This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler Special edition: Ukraine at the crossroads – with Kyiv’s ex-foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba
Aug 23, 2025
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's foreign minister from 2020 to 2024, shares insights on the precarious situation in Ukraine amid shifting diplomatic efforts. He discusses the unlikelihood of territorial concessions and highlights the deep mistrust surrounding negotiations with Russia. Kuleba elaborates on Ukraine's geopolitical significance and the importance of military readiness alongside diplomatic strategies. He also reflects on the implications of past negotiations, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in securing Ukraine’s sovereignty and a lasting resolution.
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Diplomacy Bought Time, Not Peace
- Dmytro Kuleba says recent diplomacy produced no breakthroughs and mainly bought Russia time.
- He warns Ukraine loses opportunities but not the country if it keeps moving forward.
Land Swaps Are A False Trade
- Kuleba rejects the proposed 'land swap' framing as a theft disguised as concession.
- He says ceding territory would destabilize Ukraine internally and legally and empower Putin.
Moscow's Position Remains Unchanged
- Kuleba argues Moscow's public statements show no change in Russian demands or intent.
- He views Russia's engagement as tactical to placate opponents and gain time for aggression.