FM Sybiha: Dynamics of war are shifting, and Ukraine’s asymmetric strategy is yielding results

This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to Ukrinform.

As noted, the central themes of the Ukrainian foreign minister’s participation were strengthening Europe’s role in peace efforts, Ukraine’s progress on the path to the EU and the opening of negotiation clusters, increasing sanctions pressure on Russia, as well as ensuring Ukraine’s defense needs.

“Ukraine has cards. Europe has cards. We have a strong position. It is time to play it. As the dynamics of the war change and Ukraine’s asymmetric strategy yields results, Europe must act decisively right now to bring peace closer—as a complement to the main negotiation track led by the U.S.,” Sybiha noted.

He emphasized that partners must begin with concrete and realistic steps: a ceasefire regarding airports and seaports, the return of civilian hostages, the demilitarization of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and the creation of a humanitarian corridor from the occupied town of Oleshky in the Kherson region, where people have been without food, water, and medicine for weeks.

“We don’t need to start by choosing a person or group to lead these efforts. We need to clearly define the mandate—and it must represent a unified European voice. Europe has the tools to achieve tangible results—first and foremost, sanctions and frozen Russian assets,” the minister noted.

The foreign minister also urged his colleagues to decide now to open all six negotiation clusters for Ukraine in June. According to him, Ukrainians deserve this recognition; Ukraine needs the EU—and the EU needs Ukraine.

Sybiha also emphasized that the new and promising dynamics of bilateral relations with Hungary open a window of opportunity, and European allies cannot afford to let it slip away.

“I thanked my colleagues for their resilience in the face of Russian threats against foreign diplomats in Kyiv. Perhaps such intimidation worked many years ago. But not anymore. Europe has changed. Europe has leverage. Europe must act,” the foreign minister stated.

As reported by Ukrinform, Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the path to EU membership and efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Photo: Andrii Sybiha, Facebook