KYIV: Ukraine’s former top diplomat has expressed skepticism over US President-elect Donald Trump’s ability to negotiate a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv. In a recent interview with Politico, Dmytro Kuleba, the former Ukrainian Foreign Minister, stated his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not agree to such a deal, as he perceives his country to be on the verge of achieving its goals in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which recently marked its 1,000th day.
According to Anadolu Agency, Kuleba pointed out that Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, viewing it as a pivotal point to demonstrate the West’s perceived weaknesses and inability to defend its principles. Kuleba emphasized that Ukraine holds significant personal importance for Putin as he attempts to undermine Ukrainian statehood and independence.
Kuleba expressed concern over Trump’s potential actions, particularly the possibility of withholding military support from Kyiv. He warned that such a move could lead to a collapse
of the front line in eastern Ukraine. Kuleba also highlighted the critical role of the European Union’s response to any shift in U.S. policy, suggesting that the EU could either align with Trump’s stance or take on greater responsibility.
The former minister dismissed any notion that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might sign an agreement ceding territory to Russia, citing constitutional constraints and the potential political downfall for Zelenskyy. Kuleba also anticipated further escalations in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and expressed disappointment that the West has not fully appreciated the significance and consequences of the situation.
Kuleba criticized Western leaders for their public condemnation of French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to send troops to Ukraine, labeling it as a significant oversight in Western policy over the past year.