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“Do everything so that the war ends quickly”


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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha hopes for further help from Germany. In the ARDIn the interview, he also admits the army leadership's mistakes and explains why he is relying on the future US President Trump.

Vasily Golod

While the Ukrainian army is attacking in the Russian Kursk region, Russia is steadily reporting small gains in territory in the east of Ukraine – although often with very high losses. With a view to the fighting, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said in ARD interviewhe was “convinced that it is not only in the interests of Ukraine, but also in the global interest that this war ends in peace as quickly as possible.”

The 50-year-old, who is a close advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasizes that it must be a “just, comprehensive, sustainable peace”. A concept of peace that a majority in Ukraine shares out of fear of a renewed attack by Russia.

Ukraine sees TrumpPresidency as an opportunity

The Ukrainian government is hoping for Donald Trump, who will move into the White House next week. “We see the period after January 20th as an opportunity,” explains Sybiha. Ukraine and the USA are united in their goal of a quick end to the war and a just peace.

The Ukrainian diplomat does not respond to specific questions about Trump's skeptical attitude towards Ukraine's possible NATO membership and a planned meeting with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin. We will continue to work towards our own strategic goal. Russia must be forced to make peace.

Extremely high Russian losses

Russia currently occupies around 20 percent of Ukraine and is advancing further in the east of the country. “The situation in Donbass is really very difficult, but strategically Ukraine is holding its ground,” says Sybiha. He is referring to the heavy losses that Ukraine has been inflicting on Russian troops for months. Russia can only advance through extremely high sacrifices of soldiers and military material.

“Russia has not achieved any of its strategic goals in Ukraine,” the diplomat is convinced. Kremlin troops are failing to fully control the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, which it claims as its own. Fierce fighting takes place every day along the more than 1,000 kilometer long front line.

“Kursk operation showed Russia's weakness”

Ukrainian soldiers have also been holding a small part of Russia in the Kursk region for five months. In Ukraine, critics question its military usefulness. “This operation has shown Russia's weakness,” says the Foreign Minister.

Russian troops would wipe out their own settlements in Kursk without sparing the Russian population. Sybiha confirms that the Kursk operation should give Ukraine a better political starting point in possible negotiations.

Criticism of Kiev's army leadership

In Ukraine, reports of soldiers leaving their units have been increasing for months. Many complain about attrition, others about leadership style or decisions made by their superiors. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister admits the problems in the army leadership.

“If something is brought to attention or there is objective criticism, then of course appropriate consequences are drawn,” says Sybiha. He is convinced that all necessary conclusions have been drawn and would like to thank the partners for their advice.

German aid for “Air Raid Umbrella”

Sybiha also reacts to the debate that Germany could support Ukraine with additional billions for urgently needed arms deliveries before the federal election. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius are in favor, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz has so far been against it.

“Ukraine welcomes any additional contribution that will help strengthen our capabilities today,” says the diplomat. Russia attacks Ukraine almost every day with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles. In December alone, Russia fired ballistic missiles at Ukraine 67 times. According to Sybiha, the additional funds could be used to “create an air defense umbrella over Ukraine.”

“Taurus” could “significantly influence” fights

The formula “Peace through Strength” is the focus of Ukrainian diplomacy. Sybiha argues that rapid arms deliveries are intended to deter Russia and halt its advance. To strengthen Ukraine's capabilities on the battlefield, all restrictions on the use of long-range weapons must be lifted.

“I also have to emphasize this because the decision to provide Ukraine with 'Taurus' cruise missiles is one of those elements that can significantly influence the situation on the battlefield,” says Sybiha. “In combination with other systems, they can actually be the factor that fundamentally changes the situation on the battlefield.”

The Foreign Minister assures ARD interviewthat long-range weapon systems would only be used against military targets in Russia.

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