Dmytro Kuleba on… understanding Trump and working for Zelensky
Jan 7, 2025
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Dmytro Kuleba, the former Ukrainian foreign minister, reflects on his pivotal role during the war with Russia under President Zelensky. He discusses the complex diplomacy amidst conflict and shares his insights on the potential for peace negotiations should Trump return to power. Kuleba emphasizes the importance of showcasing military strength and strategic adaptability in the face of shifting U.S. leadership. His experiences highlight the resilience of Ukraine and the complicated dynamics of international relations today.
Dmytro Kuleba discusses Ukraine's strategic shift in Christmas celebrations to reinforce national identity separate from Russian traditions post-invasion.
Kuleba emphasizes the importance of military readiness and domestic reforms for Ukraine's defense to effectively influence future peace negotiations.
Deep dives
Shift in Orthodox Christmas Celebration
Many Ukrainians have moved their Christmas celebration to December to distinguish themselves from Russia, which celebrates it in January. This change is rooted in a desire to distance from Russian traditions, especially following the full-scale invasion. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine's decision reflects a broader sentiment among Ukrainians who view the Russian Orthodox Church as aligned with the Kremlin's ideological agenda. Celebrating Christmas at different times symbolizes a shift in identity and independence for Ukraine despite historical ties with Russia.
Diplomatic Challenges and Opportunities
Dmitry Kuleba emphasizes the complexity of Ukraine’s diplomatic landscape amidst the ongoing conflict. While acknowledging the setbacks faced by Ukraine, he argues that effective diplomacy has played a key role in maintaining international support. He notes that negotiations with Russia require a strong military position to ensure that any agreements made are honored. The upcoming U.S. policies under President Trump are anticipated to influence Ukraine’s diplomatic strategy and could lead to significant changes in international support.
Military Strategy and Domestic Changes
Kuleba outlines the necessity for both military and domestic changes to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities. He points out that ramping up weapon production and addressing mobilization issues are essential for sustaining the war effort. Furthermore, Ukraine seeks to maintain its capacity to conduct offensives, demonstrating strength and resilience in anticipation of future negotiations. This proactive approach aims to put Ukraine in a more favorable position when engaging with potential international allies and negotiating peace.
Dmytro Kuleba spent four years working as Ukraine’s foreign minister before he left his post in September 2024. In a revealing interview he talks about his time working for Volodymyr Zelensky, shares his views on the outgoing Biden administration and tells us whether incoming President Trump can really negotiate peace.
Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko.
The producers were Ben Carter, Ryan Johnston and Clare Williamson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sara Wadeson.
Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480
You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord
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