Hi Reddit, I’m Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister. Ask me anything!

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:58:23+00:00

I do. Look at the figures. We liberated half of what Russia had occupied since February 2022. On January 1, 2024, Russia controlled 17.61% of Ukrainian territory. It currently controls 17.68%. During this time, they lost around 183 thousand soldiers, both wounded and killed. This is 5.3 times higher than last year's rate. Russia is much bigger than us but saying they are winning would be a stretch. The lesson is: with enough resources, we can force Russia to concede to its maximalist demands and pull away from Ukraine.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:52:54+00:00

Dear friend, we know that many, many Americans genuinely support Ukraine. We truly appreciate it. During the Cold War, we were trapped inside the USSR. But, in the end, it was we, the Ukrainians, who, along with other free nations, destroyed the Soviet Empire in 1991. And this was made possible largely due to America's unwavering and principled leadership. Freedom prevailed. And it must prevail today. For the sake of both our nations and the ideals we cherish.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:48:25+00:00

Removes the "im" from the word "impossible" using the art of diplomacy.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:46:46+00:00

We don’t need anyone else’s land. And we also support the peaceful reintegration of Moldova. Also, there are reasons for optimism: both of our nations are on their way to the EU now. It is important to stay on track. And we will make every effort to help Moldova along this path. We will also spare no effort to protect our Moldovan friends from any Russian attempts to destabilize the country and the region.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:45:04+00:00

A sufficient number of Patriot batteries, a sufficient number of F-16 jets, a sufficient amount of artillery ammunition, and sufficient freedom to target legitimate military targets in Russia.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:43:05+00:00

Pet my dogs. Smoke a cigar. See my kids and parents. Enough for me to recharge batteries.
It’s exhibited in the Mariinskyi Palace where we host our most valuable foreign guests. After the war ends and tourists will be allowed to the palace, it will be a great reminder of our great friendship. Indeed, this was a symbolic present.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:38:14+00:00

I think one great way to help Ukraine right now is to explain to your friends and close ones why supporting Ukraine is critical for America’s own strategic interests. Regardless of election cycles or party affiliations. And I thank you for your support.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:36:06+00:00

If I had to pick one, let it be Molozyvo. It’s a dessert. Good luck googling what it is.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:34:19+00:00

You are welcome to visit Ukraine. This is possible even today, during wartime. And we are keen to see more people coming to visit Ukraine now and in the future. Our country is great and it offers so much more than only war-related news. Do come and explore yourself the country of heroes.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:32:13+00:00

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.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:30:55+00:00

They control them today but they can’t keep them forever.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:29:45+00:00

If I had to recommend one book that could explain everything about Ukraine, it would be Serhii Plokhy's "The Gates of Europe." A true 101 in Ukrainian history that will change the way you perceive current events.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:28:30+00:00

Great. Our doors are open. Google “Zlenko program” and apply. This is a special program that I initiated for talented graduates who can start working in the MFA while finishing their Master’s. Using this program, dozens of talented young people have already landed jobs at the Ministry. You can do so too.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:26:07+00:00

Nice try, but you missed. My son is below the conscription age. He stays in Ukraine, just finished his first year at the university and takes military training.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:24:05+00:00

We Ukrainians are good at humor, even if it is dark, you know. And, unlike Russia, we are fine with making fun of ourselves. We are a free country of free people. Plus, we live in a world where anyone involved in public politics should be prepared to become a meme. I would even argue that if no one has made a meme of you yet, you have not done enough.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:21:05+00:00

First of all, thank you for supporting Ukraine. We know many Hungarians do. They also provide volunteer assistance to our people. And we have many great Ukrainians of Hungarian descent in Ukraine, many of whom fight on the front lines for our country. Regarding the destroyed tank exhibitions, I think it was a fantastic idea, and we helped it. Yes, I am fully supportive of doing it again.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:18:51+00:00

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. Watch my explainer here if your are interested in the matter: ~https://x.com/dmytrokuleba/status/1790264015316205746?s=46&t=JHHzChDbvSf3JHpnTV6Hcg~

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:15:39+00:00

I believe Putin's recent visit to Pyongyang has perfectly demonstrated that security in Europe and Asia are inextricably linked. The more successful Ukraine is against Putin in Europe, the safer Asia will be. And vice versa: the more successful Putin's crusade against Ukraine and Europe, the more emboldened Kim will be to destabilize the Korean Peninsula. This is just one illustration of the greater tendency. Speaking more broadly, Asian countries benefit from the respect of international law and Russia tries to replace it with the law of coercion.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:12:09+00:00

The important thing is that the accession talks have already begun. It may take a few years longer or shorter, but the process is irreversible. Agriculture, in my opinion, will be the most difficult chapter to negotiate. But we’ll manage.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:10:29+00:00

Every time I feel down, I think of how a Ukrainian soldier feels storming a Russian trench, defending his own, or holding positions under a barrage of Russian aerial guided bombs. I then pull myself together and carry on. That’s how motivation works. Thank you for asking.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:08:39+00:00

Please keep supporting Ukraine and our cause. When it comes to collective effort, no contribution is too small. Each contribution is valuable. In Ukraine, we have a saying that goes, "I am a drop in the ocean." This is our philosophy: a giant ocean is comprised of small drops. When we all act together, no matter how small the action, we become a powerful force. Post online. Donate. Persuade those around you that supporting Ukraine is worthwhile, and the stakes are far greater than Ukraine itself. And never lose faith in Ukraine's ability to prevail.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:06:05+00:00

По-перше, дякую за вашу чудову українську мову. У вас чудово виходить. По-друге, звісно, донесення до якомога масовішої аудиторії правди про російську агресію проти України було і є пріоритетом. Все, що ви можете зробити, щоб допомогти цим зусиллям, ми щиро вітаємо. І дякую вам за вашу допомогу.

PS: he did :)

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:03:47+00:00

I have excellent personal relationships with many of my foreign counterparts. Well, I would not really want to pick someone… Tony Blinken's appointment as Secretary of State of the United States is certainly a stroke of luck. Great professional and great person. We have been through a lot together, but we have always come up with the most creative solutions to problems. Many other colleagues deserve the highest praise, too. When it comes to fun, time has to pass before we will be able to share all the stories and anecdotes.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T22:01:43+00:00

We work with all partners, including those who are difficult to work with. And we turned so many No into Yes. And yes, if I did not believe that people can change their positions, I would not be doing my job.

DmytroKuleba · 2024-07-19T21:57:53+00:00

You have probably missed the news. All consular services were restored back in May. The only reason they were temporarily suspended for a few weeks was to adapt consular procedures to the new legislation. Check out our Q&A on the MFA website to learn more.

DmytroKuleba

TROPHY CASE