On Friday, May 29, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha spoke in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, where he outlined the key priorities of the foreign policy agenda. Among the main topics are peace efforts, increased pressure on the aggressor state, strengthening security, and the development of asymmetric diplomacy.
“Today, Ukraine is a confident, proactive, and strong player on the international stage. Our task is to fill this confidence with substance, expertise, and tangible results for the state. That is precisely why we must prepare a new generation of diplomats – with a new vision and a new mindset”, Andrii Sybiha stated.
The Minister thanked the People’s Deputies for their parliamentary support and emphasized that all activities and the updated structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are subordinated to the realities and challenges of war.
The Foreign Minister noted that today Ukraine is a participant in the formation of a new security architecture and is building its own alliances.
“Ukrainian diplomacy expects nothing, is not afraid of anyone, and does not stand aside. These are the characteristics of our foreign policy under the leadership of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is a different subjectivity, supported by force”, he added.
According to Andrii Sybiha, foreign policy partners recognize that the Ukrainian army is the most combat-ready on the continent and was able to stabilize the front line. This significantly strengthens Ukraine’s position at the negotiating table. At the same time, Moscow does not show signs of readiness for diplomacy.
“The cessation of hostilities on the contact line can open the way to broader negotiations. Ukraine has effective proposals. From the Russian side, we see only increased terror and ultimatums. Ukraine will not accept any formulas at the expense of sovereignty or territorial integrity”, the Minister noted.
Andrii Sybiha stated that peace efforts under US leadership are currently “on pause”. According to him, the trilateral format at the delegation level has reached its limit of effectiveness, so a meeting at the leadership level is necessary. The Minister once again emphasized that the involvement of the United States remains critically important for the peace process.
The Foreign Minister also stated the potential for strengthening Europe’s role in peace efforts – from local ceasefire regimes and the protection of critical infrastructure to humanitarian steps, in particular the return of civilian hostages and the creation of a humanitarian corridor from Oleshky.
The Minister reported that the diplomatic service is actively working with partners to constantly increase the price of war for the aggressor, in particular in the context of sanctions pressure and depriving the Russian military machine of resources.
“It is also about the use of frozen Russian assets, the international isolation of Russia and the track of responsibility. This includes the Special Tribunal, the Register of Damages, and the Compensation Commission. A separate direction is the return of abducted children and ongoing work on prisoner exchanges. New defense packages, contributions to PURL, investments in the Ukrainian defense industry, strengthening air defense capabilities, joint work on ballistic protection, as well as strengthening defense capabilities and resilience on the eve of winter. All these steps strengthen Ukraine’s position at the negotiating table”, he noted.
Andrii Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine is actively employing asymmetric diplomacy to undermine Russia’s positions in areas where it previously dominated, while also strengthening Ukraine’s role as a security partner. “Russia’s influence is declining. And we are actively contributing to this”, the Foreign Minister said.
The Minister informed parliamentarians about strengthening economic diplomacy and expanding Ukraine’s diplomatic presence in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Andrii Sybiha also reported that the MFA of Ukraine is working to preserve the unity of the Ukrainian people, in particular, automating consular services and accelerating the implementation of legislation on the introduction of the institution of multiple citizenship.
“In parallel with strengthening defense capabilities, at the President’s instruction, we are actively working to repatriate Ukrainian heroes, Ukrainian cultural artifacts, and figures who fought for a free Ukraine”, he said.
Andrii Sybiha thanked the members of parliament for adopting the necessary European integration bills and noted that each such successful vote strengthens the positions of Ukrainian diplomats and the negotiating positions of Ukraine in general.