Sibiga: Ukraine is ready to meet with Putin and double its defense production capacity

Sybiha: If we can attract sufficient additional investment, we have the capability to double our defense production capacity

On April 17, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha delivered a speech on recent key issues in Ukraine's foreign policy. The main points are as follows:

-- We are ready to host a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Putin in Turkey, with co-participation from President Recep Erdoğan and President Donald Trump. We have recently conveyed this signal to our Turkish partners;

-- The most difficult period in bilateral diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the United States has passed. We have successfully normalized relations between the two countries through practical and mutually respectful approaches;

-- Negotiation teams maintain regular communication. We look forward to the visit of the U.S. negotiation delegation to Ukraine to discuss subsequent steps;

-- We welcome the efforts made by the United States toward advancing a just and comprehensive peace. It is essential to intensify pressure on Russia and weaken its capabilities—this is the only way to accelerate the peace process;

-- We are ready for a ceasefire. Putin must realize that he will never achieve his objectives on the battlefield;

-- Over the past year, our positions on the battlefield, economically, and diplomatically have been strengthened. Ukraine has become a global leader in drone technology. The current condition of Russian ports fully demonstrates the effectiveness of Ukrainian operations;

-- We hope that during Ireland’s presidency of the EU, historic progress can be made on EU enlargement—not only for Ukraine, but also for Moldova and the Western Balkans;

-- Ukraine has conveyed signals to Hungary expressing willingness for high-level engagement. After years of provocations under Orban’s government, we now have an opportunity to accelerate integration into Europe: formally initiating negotiations on six key issues, unlocking a €9 billion loan from the EU, and pushing for intensified sanctions against Russia under the 20th round;

-- Following heavy losses, Russia has begun illegally recruiting foreign personnel overseas, primarily from Africa and Asia. Over 300 foreign mercenaries have already been captured by Ukraine. Such actions must stop;

-- There must be a ban on Russian combatants involved in the war against Ukraine from entering Europe and transatlantic regions;

-- We remain steadfast on the defensive front, striving to achieve air defense coverage, and confronting Russia asymmetrically. Thanks to the use of drone technology, the numerical advantage of Russian forces no longer holds decisive importance;

-- If we can attract sufficient additional investment, we have the capability to double our defense production capacity. This not only relates to our ability to sustain resistance over the long term, but will also strengthen our negotiating position.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862720353935360/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author