Ukrainian Foreign Minister Answers Reddit’s Burning Questions on Ukraine

In a recent Reddit Ask Me Anything session, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba provided insights into the roots of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, attributing it to Russia’s longstanding imperial ambitions, particularly towards Ukraine. Kuleba also critiqued Western policies from the 1990s, suggesting they have misunderstood Russian intentions and contributed to the full-scale war.

Q: What are your personal feelings on Ukraine giving up its nuclear weapons in exchange for peace guarantees?

A: “This was a strategic mistake that, along with others, led us to where we are today. Washington and Moscow, led by Presidents Clinton and Yeltsin, worked together in a coordinated fashion to put pressure on and disarm Ukraine. Our leadership and elites leaned under simultaneous pressure from both sides. Looking back, it is clear that Russia, rather than Ukraine, should have been disarmed after the Cold War ended. I could argue the US owes us support today for stripping us of our nuclear defense shield years ago, but I guess that doesn’t sell.”

Q: Please do a comment on possible peace negotiations with Russia. Are they even possible? If “yes”, then when?

A: “Possible but only if Russia negotiates in good faith. And we are not there yet. The key question is how to get Russia to negotiate in good faith, given that they have never done so before. This, we believe, will be possible only if Russia feels enough pressure on the battlefield and in the international arena. In the diplomatic realm, only a global majority can compel Russia to choose peace over war. This is why the first Peace Summit was held in Switzerland, bringing together one hundred countries and international organisations. From every continent and region of the world. We will continue to advance the Peace Formula as the path to a just and lasting peace.”

Q: The question I have is maybe a bit far out given the current crisis, but we see alot about Ukraine integrating NATO standar, weapons into its Arsenal. Throughout the various forums held on the weapons delivery and industries, has there been discussion on the integration of Ukrainian weapons in NATO long term, Also, what about Ukrainian training of NATO forces,

Given the experience that your armed forces (unfortunately due to the war) developed in fighting a “modern” army, I would think there is alot of interest in helping share that knowledge with the other armies in NATO.

A: “Thanks for your kind words. Answering your question: spot on. Ukraine currently provides significant added value to NATO. The Alliance is already actively learning from our military. Currently, no one else in the world has our experience of fighting the Russians in a full-fledged war of such scale, brutality, and duration. And we have been very successful in fighting them.

We have developed a lot of know-how in this process that no one in NATO could have predicted. As a result of our battlefield experience, we have already prompted changes to a number of NATO standards and practices. And I am not even talking about drone warfare, which Ukraine has taken to a new level.

Some of the Ukrainian weapons actively developed and manufactured in Ukraine are quite unique, and they have proven to be extremely effective on the battlefield. We are sharing our experience with NATO partners. It’s right to strengthen friends. But we would be even more effective in strengthening the Alliance as a member of NATO.

In a nutshell: yes, our state of the art weapons will be compatible with NATO, our troops will be the most combat ready NATO army after the US, and the Eastern flank will feel much safer after being trained by and reinforced with Ukrainian soldiers. They are much cooler than anyone thinks of them.”

Q: How do you control your emotions when speaking counterparts from Russia?

A: “I last spoke with my ‘counterpart’ in March 2022 in Türkiye. No emotions. He was spewing propaganda BS about Nazis, etc. I said, ‘Look, we are behind closed doors; why would you stick to this nonsense? Let us talk about real things.’ I proposed to solve one practical issue: a humanitarian corridor for civilians to leave Mariupol. He replied that he was not authorized to resolve this matter. I proposed that we call our leaders right away and resolve the issue. But he refused. Talking to liars is exhausting, but I had to try. By the way, take with a grain of salt all the nonsense they now tell about the Istanbul talks. I warn everyone not to buy their lies on the matter.

Q: Hi Dmytro, thank you for taking the time to do this. I have two questions for you. The more I learn about the foreign aid being provided to Ukraine, the more it seems as though you are being sent enough to survive, rather than enough to succeed more decisively. The explanation given by many is that they want to avoid escalation, however to my mind it almost appears as though the aid is being drip-fed in order to weaken/ grind down Russian military power, and soft power (weapons sales and reputation abroad). What are your thoughts on this? Secondly, as someone who has lived through a series of escalations, from electoral interference, cyber attacks, misinformation and propaganda, which escalated to a full on invasion. What advice would you give to countries such as the UK, USA, Poland and Germany, who are all subject to similar 'hybrid warfare'? Many of us feel that it is not discussed enough, but also that there is no apparent solution to the spread of misinformation without impinging upon free speech.

A: “This is a $64 question. Over the last two and a half years, nothing has harmed Ukraine’s war effort more than the concept of ‘controlled escalation.’ In other words, the so-called ‘fear of escalation’ among partners. We stumbled upon this fear each time a critical decision had to be made. In the end, they were all made. And no further escalation occurred. But irrational fear persisted.

Everyone needs to finally let go of this fear. Putin does not require any reasons to escalate. He acts under the assumption that the West is weak and scared. He is in charge of escalation Instead, we must take the initiative and make Putin fear our next move, not the other way around. Believe me, the moment everyone stops playing Putin’s games, this will be the point of major DE-ESCALATION.”

Bonus Q: Minister Kuleba, what’s a fact about Ukraine/Ukrainians most people don’t know, and you would like to share?

A: “Thank you for your kind words. One fact about Ukrainians: we defended the borscht — our iconic dish from the Russian occupation as fiercely as we defend our land and identity.”

In conclusion, Dmytro Kuleba reiterated the importance of international solidarity and support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict, emphasizing the broader implications of the situation. He called for clarity in understanding diplomatic efforts and reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to navigating challenges with pragmatism and determination.