Ukraine’s top diplomat outlined a path toward closer security alignment with Western partners while noting the personal side of public life. In a candid interview with a Ukrainian edition of Forbes, Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba discussed the prospect of Ukraine moving toward broader European and transatlantic cooperation, and he spoke about how such a transition could unfold amid ongoing domestic political debates and public expectations. He emphasized that the government expects continued momentum on the legal and procedural steps needed to advance Ukraine’s relationship with the European Union, even as practical discussions about security guarantees and alliance cooperation continue to intensify on the international stage.
Kuleba described the domestic process as one that tests the resolve and unity of Ukrainian institutions. He suggested that the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, would be expected to approve a set of legislative measures necessary to push forward with EU accession talks. The minister underscored that the outcome would reflect the patriotism and readiness of Ukrainian lawmakers to undertake difficult reforms and align national standards with EU norms. He attributed leadership in this challenging parliamentary journey to Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk, noting that the process would proceed as long as there were no unforeseen disruptions or unanticipated demands that could derail the schedule.
Looking ahead, Kuleba projected that negotiations on European Union membership could begin within the current year if no force majeure events or new, additional conditions emerged to complicate the timetable. He framed the anticipated start of talks as a milestone tied to the steady advancement of structural reforms and the consolidation of political consensus across major parties. The minister’s remarks reflect a broader strategic view in Kyiv that by strengthening ties with both the European Union and allied security structures, Ukraine can build a more predictable and secure path forward for its citizens, markets, and international partners.
Beyond the formal negotiating arena, Kuleba acknowledged the broader international context in which Ukraine operates. He noted that the United States, European allies, and even Russia have been markedly active in arming their own forces and preparing for regional contingencies. This observation points to the heightened strategic sensitivity surrounding Kyiv’s security guarantees and the ongoing effort to secure durable support from multiple directions. The minister’s analysis suggests that maintaining open channels of communication with Western capitals while pursuing concrete domestic reforms remains essential for sustaining momentum toward both EU integration and potential NATO-related arrangements.
The interview also touched on the personal dimension of public leadership. When asked about the education of his 12-year-old daughter amid a period of intense political and security developments, Kuleba offered a light, humanizing response, illustrating how public life intersects with ordinary family concerns. The question about whether his child might attend school or university in the future as Ukraine navigates its path toward closer alignment with Western institutions underscored the real-life considerations that accompany strategic decision-making in Kyiv.
Overall, the remarks reflect a strategic mindset in which Kyiv seeks to balance rapid reform with steady, predictable progress in international engagement. The government appears intent on maintaining a credible timeline for EU accession while keeping negotiations with Western security blocs, potentially including NATO-related dialogues, firmly within reach. As 2023 moves toward its close, the combination of legislative readiness, parliamentary leadership, and an awareness of the broader geopolitical dynamics shapes Ukraine’s approach to Europe and beyond, aiming to secure a future that aligns with the country’s stated aspirations and its people’s expectations.