Ukraine’s foreign policy posture continued to shape discussions on peace amid the ongoing conflict. Dmytro Kuleba, the country’s foreign minister, reiterated that Kyiv remains willing to consider peace initiatives provided they meet clear conditions. In his remarks delivered during Africa Day celebrations and the sixtieth anniversary of the Organization of African Unity, now known as the African Union, he underscored that any meaningful proposal must respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and avoid any steps that would amount to concessions on land. He emphasized that a peaceful settlement cannot come at the cost of regional gains for the aggressor or at the expense of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The minister outlined two non-negotiable principles guiding Kyiv’s openness to international peace efforts. First, any proposal must refrain from creating or recognizing territorial concessions that would alter borders without Kyiv’s consent. Second, it must not rely on a standstill in hostilities that would postpone a genuine resolution in favor of a temporary ceasefire. In his view, true peace requires sustained action and a clear roadmap, not a pause that leaves core disputes unresolved. This framework, he argued, would ensure that peace initiatives foster lasting stability rather than merely freezing conflict conditions.
Kuleba reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to its own peace plan, commonly referred to as the peace formula. He stated that this plan should serve as the foundation for any coordinated international effort aimed at ending the war. By presenting a concrete roadmap, Kyiv intends to guide partners toward practical steps that can be verified, implemented, and monitored. The minister invited African nations and their leadership to engage with this framework, calling for constructive participation that supports Ukraine’s right to defend its territory while seeking a durable peace.
On May 22, reports indicated that the minister had begun a second African tour, following his initial visit to Morocco. During this trip, Kuleba met with government officials, diplomats, and regional representatives across several states, exploring avenues for collaboration, humanitarian aid, and political support. Observers noted that the travel underscores Kyiv’s intent to cultivate broad international backing as it navigates the peace process. The outreach also highlights Kyiv’s strategy of building partnerships across continents to advance its objectives and to create a unified front in negotiations.
In discussions with African partners, the Ukrainian delegation emphasized the importance of unity among international actors in supporting a peace process that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity. They pointed to Ukraine’s resilience and the imperative of delivering real security guarantees, credible timelines, and verifiable mechanisms that ensure accountability. The conversations also touched on broader regional security concerns, the humanitarian toll of the conflict, and the potential for postwar reconstruction through international cooperation and sustained aid.
Analysts note that Kyiv’s insistence on concrete terms aligns with broader international expectations for peace efforts. They stress the need for transparent commitments, clear benchmarks, and regular progress reviews as essential elements of any credible agreement. The ongoing diplomacy aims to balance urgent humanitarian needs with strategic security concerns, seeking to prevent renewed aggression and to establish a durable peace framework that can withstand future pressures.
As the global community weighs options, Kyiv’s position remains a crucial anchor in the search for a sustainable resolution. The peace formula, paired with a disciplined approach to negotiations, is designed to prevent backsliding and to secure conditions under which Ukraine can regain stability and rebuild communities affected by conflict. The Africa-wide outreach reflects a broader strategy to mobilize diverse international partners who can contribute to a comprehensive peace plan and to reassure citizens at home that diplomacy remains the pathway to lasting safety and prosperity.