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Speaking at the prestigious Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi on Tuesday, Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, delivered a strong appeal for international unity in resolving the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Addressing the panel titled The Peace Tableau: Actions and Aspirations, Sybiha emphasised the evolving diplomatic landscape and the necessity of sustained efforts to secure a just and lasting peace.
Complex path to peace
Reflecting on the past three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Sybiha noted that conventional assumptions about diplomacy, military deterrence and regional stability have been fundamentally altered. He highlighted that peace in Ukraine is not just a national concern but a matter of global interest.
“So let me start by quoting the first woman who was Indian President of the General Assembly: ‘The more we swear in peace, the law, we believe in war.’ Ukraine is the country most invested in achieving a long-lasting, comprehensive peace. This war is not just about Ukraine; it is a global imperative to secure a just and sustainable resolution,” Sybiha stated.
He highlighted the significance of the recent Jeddah meeting, which he described as a turning point that provided new momentum and opportunities to end the war. “Yes, after Jeddah we got another speed, new additional opportunities to end this war this year, and we are ready for this. We are not the obstacle to achieving peace. Let’s see what the response from the Russian side will be to settle a ceasefire.”
Ceasefire and confidence-building measures
Sybiha confirmed Ukraine’s support for the US-proposed 30-day temporary ceasefire stressing that a frozen conflict scenario must be avoided at all costs. “Ukraine supported the US proposal for a ceasefire because it is very important not to have this perception of a frozen conflict. We are talking about a ceasefire that would make our peace efforts much more effective. Of course, we need confidence-building measures.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsHe also threw light on the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in ensuring the success of these peace efforts. “Once again, this meeting in Jeddah between the Ukrainian and US delegations sped up the process. We are ready to start implementing the outcomes of Jeddah. We do really expect—and here we need joint efforts and strong international support—that the Russian side will agree to an unconditional ceasefire,” Sybiha said.
Geopolitical implications and Ukraine’s red lines
Touching upon the shifting global dynamics, Sybiha noted the significance of upcoming political developments, including a potential conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. “According to public statements, we could expect a telephone conversation between President Trump and President Putin today. We do really hope that we will get a clearer situation after this conversation.”
He reiterated Ukraine’s firm stance on sovereignty and territorial integrity, making it clear that no external forces would dictate Ukraine’s future alliances. “Returning back to our position, which we share with our American friends and European allies: Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, nothing about Europe without Europe. No compromises at the cost of Ukrainian territorial integrity and sovereignty. No restrictions on our military capacities. And no third country has the right to block our will or our way to participate in any union or alliance,” Sybiha said.
Sybiha emphasised that Ukraine would never recognise any territory occupied by Russia. “At this stage, approximately 20 per cent of our territories are under Russian occupation. But the truth is that Russia has failed to achieve any of its strategic goals in Ukraine. Yes, they have made some advances on the battlefield due to various reasons, but strategically, the situation remains under control.”
Call for strong diplomacy and international leadership
While acknowledging the military situation, Sybiha strongly advocated for diplomacy as the most viable solution moving forward. “Now is the time for diplomacy—strong diplomacy. We truly believe that with the leadership of President Trump, we could achieve a long-lasting, just peace. It is crucial not to manipulate the term ‘just and long-lasting peace’ when it comes to Ukraine.”
He urged the international community to uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the UN Charter. “This is about principles. It is about respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty. It is about restoring the global order based on the rule of law.”
A defiant stand amid uncertainty
As discussions at the Raisina Dialogue continue, Sybiha’s remarks reinforced Ukraine’s unwavering stance on peace negotiations. With shifting global alignments and high-stakes diplomacy shaping the trajectory of the conflict, Ukraine’s call for strong international support remains at the forefront of its strategic vision for a secure future.
The world now watches for the next diplomatic moves as Ukraine insists that peace must come on just terms—without compromising its sovereignty or security.
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