Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, called on Western partners to isolate Russia rather than attempt to reshape it, sharing his view in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
His message was clear: Russia’s essence will not change, no matter how strong its leadership appears. The aim, he argued, is not to convert Russia into something else but to deny it influence through sustained pressure and containment.
Kuleba argued for persistent diplomatic pressure and, if necessary, removal of Russia from the United Nations Security Council. He noted, however, that this remains unlikely because Russia holds a permanent seat and the veto power, a fact Moscow has reminded the world of previously.
In the same interview, Kuleba described the deployment of Patriot air defense systems from the United States to Kyiv as a pivotal psychological moment.
He emphasized that Ukrainian authorities had fought for the Patriot system for more than a year and secured its delivery. He described the decision to provide Patriot as a turning point, noting that early discussions with the United States faced resistance and skepticism. The move, he said, broke a long-standing taboo and opened a new chapter of cooperation.
On December 21, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington and met with President Joe Biden. In the wake of that meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a new military aid package valued at 1.85 billion dollars, which includes the installation of a Patriot system, according to RIA Novosti.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the United States had informed Moscow through diplomatic channels that it did not plan to send experts to Ukraine to train personnel in operating Patriot systems.
Lavrov recalled that Moscow asked American officials whether a transfer implied direct US participation, given the complexities of operating a Patriot battery. He said the answer indicated that Washington did not intend to deploy its specialists on the ground, arguing that the feedback showed a preference to avoid direct confrontation with Russia. He added that, according to US officials, Patriot systems would become fully operational within a few months as Ukrainian forces learn to use the equipment.
The Pentagon’s approach to Patriot deliveries has drawn criticism from some observers. An American defense portal suggested that the limited number of Patriot batteries and the absence of allied troops accompanying them could leave the systems vulnerable as Ukraine’s other defenses are stretched thin.
Patriot is a key component of the United States’ integrated air defense framework. Systems vary in range and purpose, with some configurations designed to intercept ballistic missiles, while others protect broader airspace.
President Vladimir Putin has argued that Patriot supplies prolong the conflict. He described the Patriot as an aging system and implied that it does not compare to Russia’s S-300, while also suggesting that Russian troops are increasingly confident in their own defenses.
New weapons for new levels
In remarks about arms procurement from Washington, Kuleba likened the process to advancing through levels in a computer game. He questioned what comes next after Patriot, pointing to tanks, ATACMS, and other systems, and asking what would follow those if they become available. During a meeting with RBC-Ukraine, he suggested that the conversation about more capable weapons would continue as battlefield conditions evolve.
Asked about the potential approval of ATACMS and modern aircraft next year, Kuleba answered that it would depend on battlefield developments. Zelensky had previously pressed Biden to provide ATACMS long-range missiles, but Politico reported that one refusal was issued after discussions. In parallel, Ukraine has underscored a need for Western missiles to support the IRIS-T air defense system supplied by Germany. Ukrainian officials described stock levels as depleted due to the system being relatively new, according to RIA Novosti.
Following a government statement in mid-December, Germany confirmed additional missiles for IRIS-T and 30,000 40-millimeter caliber rounds were sent to Kyiv, reflecting ongoing collaboration and the urgency of modernizing Ukraine’s defenses.