Kuleba proposed a symbolic gesture of "lighting a candle" upon Trump's departure from negotiations.
In a turn of events, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba believes that a potential withdrawal of the U.S. from negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv could be advantageous for Ukraine. According to Kuleba, if the U.S. exits the negotiation process but not the process itself, it might give Ukraine the chance to craft a strategic approach in peace.
Kuleba suggested that we should pray for Trump's good health, hoping he stays clear of our affairs, allowing us to focus on our strategies peacefully. However, he expressed concern over the possibility of the U.S. hindering other countries from providing military support to Kyiv or dismantling the sanction regime against Russia.
While the U.S. has indicated that if an agreement between Russia and Ukraine isn’t reached soon, they will shift focus to other foreign policy issues, Vice President Mike Pence remains optimistic about a resolution. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated this week is crucial for the U.S. to decide whether to continue mediation efforts or move on to other issues of equal or greater importance.
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced that Brussels is preparing a "Plan B" to maintain economic sanctions against Russia in case the U.S. leaves the negotiation process.
The current Russia-Ukraine negotiations are at a standstill, with Russia demanding un conditional capitulation, including non-NATO status, recognition of annexed territories, and "demilitarization." The EU faces pressure to replace U.S. diplomatic and financial support if America withdraws, given their control over most frozen Russian assets. European states currently oppose the U.S.'s proposed easing of sanctions on Russia.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin stated that resolving the conflict requires time, effort, and Ukraine's participation in direct talks with Moscow. The Russian side declared a ceasefire on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, but Ukraine called for an immediate 30-day ceasefire to provide a basis for real diplomacy.
In March 2020, Kuleba headed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, but he became a senior resident fellow at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University after September 2024. Currently, the position of Foreign Minister is held by Andrei Sibiga.
[1] Washington Post[2] The Guardian[3] Reuters[4] Politico[5] Bloomberg[RBC.ua] [Financial Times] [RIA Novosti] [Euractiv]
- Kuleba, in a statement, expressed hope that former U.S. President Trump's good health would enable him to stay out of Ukraine's affairs, allowing more strategic approaches to peace.
- The potential U.S. exit from the negotiation process between Moscow and Kyiv has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials, including Kuleba, about possible interference in military support or sanctions.
- In a critical week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stresses the urgency for the U.S. to decide if it will continue mediation efforts or focus on other issues, given the standstill in Russia-Ukraine negotiations.
- As the U.S. ponders its future in Ukraine negotiations, the European Union is prepared to maintain economic sanctions against Russia should the U.S. withdraw, with Brussels already drafting a "Plan B."
