Exclusive interview with Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s ex-foreign minister

In this special extended interview, The Kyiv Independent’s Natalia Yermak speaks with former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba about Ukraine’s most pressing issues. From peace talks and diplomacy to his political future, Kuleba offers candid insights into the nation’s challenges and opportunities, and this unique moment in Ukrainian history.

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00:00 — intro
00:42 — how does it feel being an observer after 4.5 years of being a Foreign Minister?
01:40 — What can we expect from the next months? Will there be any negotiations?
02:56 — Russia doesn't seem to have a reason to stop the war. Does the West overestimate Russian willingness to talk about peace?
04:46 — What do you say to people who want to build friendly ties with Russia, especially in Europe?
07:46 — What do we to stop Russia?
09:52 — Ukraine's potential for revanchist policies towards Russia
10:38 — In your time at the Foreign Ministry, did you feel sidelined by the Presidential Office led by Andrii Yermak while discussing weapons with the partners?
12:10 — Does Andrii Yermak's influence on inner and foreign affairs help or harm Ukraine?
13:13 — There are talks about potential Ukrainian elections next year. Will we see your name on the ballot?
15:36 — Why do you not see the war ending in the months after Tramp's inauguration?
17:11 — International sanctions were supposed to make the war too costly for Russia to continue, but it still does. Why?
20:14 — Why does Russia still get revenues from oil, despite sanctions?
21:16 — Why is the narrative about "crossing Russian red lines by giving Ukraine weapons" still powerful? Are Russian red lines real?
24:57 — Does it work to challenge Russian narratives by talking to people making anti-Ukrainian comments, like Joe Rogan?
26:59 — What are you doing to explain Ukraine's point of view after you stopped being a Foreign Minister?
29:01 — Ideas about Ukraine are born in academia. Is the world's perspective on Ukraine imperialized there?
31:19 — Why should Trump support Ukraine's membership in NATO?
33:53 — Could some Ukrainian territories stay occupied after a potential peace deal?
36:41 — Is Ukrainian society divided on what it wants out of Ukraine's victory in the war?
37:55 — What do you think should be the ultimate goal for Ukrainian society?
40:10 — Can Ukraine get in a situation where it's decided by others what will be the temporary solution on the way to end the war?