Ukraine MFA Live Q&A – April 28th, 2025

During a live stream from Kyiv, the spokesperson of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed dozens of questions from international journalists, bloggers, and global citizens. The conversation covered ceasefire proposals, foreign troops, international diplomacy, and Ukraine’s strategic position. Here is a comprehensive summary of the questions and the spokesperson’s answers:

1. What is Ukraine’s response to the Kremlin’s proposed three-day ceasefire on May 8–10?

Answer: Ukraine rejects short-term, symbolic ceasefires and insists on a full, 30-day ceasefire. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated: “If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately.” Ukraine already agreed unconditionally to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire during talks in Jeddah on March 11. Russia has yet to reciprocate.

2. From a user in Japan: Would simultaneous ceasefire announcements from Zelensky and Putin help build trust?

Answer: Ukraine is ready for such a gesture but emphasizes that any ceasefire must be full, unconditional, and long enough—at least 30 days—to allow for real peace-building. Short-term announcements are seen as superficial.

3. Which countries have agreed to send troops to enforce a ceasefire in Ukraine?

Answer: No formal deployment has begun. Some countries have expressed political readiness to send troops either to enforce a ceasefire or as part of a deterrence coalition. Specific countries remain unnamed for diplomatic reasons, but participation spans beyond Europe and is expected to include land, air, and sea components.

4. From Financial Times journalist Christopher Miller: How confident is Ukraine that Trump and the U.S. will stay committed to peace talks?

Answer: The recent Zelensky-Trump meeting in Rome was described as positive and potentially historic. Ukraine believes Trump is genuinely invested in achieving peace. While some U.S. statements hint at conditional withdrawal, Ukraine views them as part of a strategic communications push.

5. What is Ukraine’s stance on the reported upcoming U.S.-Ukraine mineral/resources agreement?

Answer: Ukraine supports it and aims for a mutually beneficial deal to develop critical mineral resources, including rare earths. Negotiations are advancing daily, though specific terms remain confidential for now.

6. Are more peace talks with the U.S. and Europe planned soon?

Answer: Yes, recent meetings in Paris and London have been productive. Further meetings are being prepared, although dates and locations remain undisclosed due to diplomatic sensitivity.

7. What does Ukraine expect from the UK-led “Coalition of the Willing”?

Answer: Ukraine sees this as a valuable forum to ensure long-term peace and deter future Russian aggression. Discussions involve troop deployments and long-term security guarantees. U.S. support remains critical to translating this into action.

8. What communication challenges does Ukraine face with European partners post-U.S. elections?

Answer: Ukraine perceives improved alignment with Europe, driven by Europe’s realization of its own defense needs. Self-sufficiency and closer defense-industrial cooperation are now mutual priorities, with Ukraine positioned as a key contributor to European security.

9. From a Japanese journalist: Does Ukraine accept Russia’s ceasefire proposal or not?

Answer: No. Ukraine only supports a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire. A brief, symbolic ceasefire for May 8–10 is deemed unserious and inadequate for peace-building.

10. How does Ukraine intend to prevent another “frozen conflict” like Minsk I and II?

Answer: By learning from past mistakes. Ukraine insists on a durable, fair peace—not just the absence of war. It demands verifiable, enforceable agreements with robust international oversight to prevent Russian violations.

11. What’s the status of the May 9th EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Ukraine?

Answer: Preparations are ongoing and in advanced stages. Ukraine expects high-level participation but cannot yet disclose the location or full attendee list due to security concerns.

12. What is Ukraine’s view on Japan’s production of Patriot missiles amid U.S. shortages?

Answer: Ukraine is interested but notes that military-technical cooperation is a sensitive matter. Japan is considered a key ally, and Ukraine values both governmental and popular support from Japan.

13. What’s the situation in the [Kursk region? – unclear audio] and how does Ukraine respond to Putin’s ceasefire claims?

Answer: Ukraine notes that Russia failed to retake control over the region in nine months. Recent Russian and North Korean admissions of North Korean troop involvement are alarming, showing deepening military ties that threaten global stability.

14. From parody account “Darth Putin KGB”: Why does Ukraine keep threatening to defend itself?

Answer: The spokesperson appreciated the humor and took it as a rhetorical comment rather than a serious question.

15. What’s stopping Europe from contributing land-based forces for peacekeeping?

Answer: While air components like patrols may come quicker, land deployments involve complex legal, logistical, and political decisions. Ukraine is working diplomatically to overcome these barriers with partner countries.

16. Should Ukraine offer Colombia a free trade agreement to honor Colombian volunteer fighters?

Answer: Ukraine appreciates Colombian volunteers and is open to expanding bilateral ties, including exploring trade deals. Export profiles are complementary, offering mutual economic benefits.

17. Has Ukraine asked Iran to stop supplying Russia?

Answer: Yes. Ukraine has made formal requests, but Iran has not responded positively. Discussions with EU partners are ongoing to strengthen coordinated pressure on Tehran.