Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba evaluated the Russia-Ukraine-Türkiye tripartite meeting of foreign ministers held on the margins of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) at the Regnum Carya Hotel in Antalya with the mediation of Türkiye.
Kuleba began his remarks by thanking Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu for arranging the meeting, and stated that this was the first contact between Russia and Ukraine at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs level since Russia's attacks on Ukraine began.
Dmytro Kuleba stated that the Ukrainian city of Mariupol was under constant aerial bombardment and that he came to the meeting for humanitarian purposes and said, "We are asking for help in the evacuation of civilians from Mariupol. A humanitarian corridor needs to be created in order to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Mariupol. Unfortunately, Foreign Minister Lavrov made no commitment to this (humanitarian corridors). Nonetheless, he stated that he would speak and correspond with authorities about this issue. We asked for a 24-hour cease-fire, but were unable to make any progress. It looks like other decision-makers will be required to step in."
Stating that they decided to continue their efforts for humanitarian issues in the field, Kuleba said, “I agreed to meet again in such a format (like in Antalya). I agree to meet again if the need for a solution arises.”
Kuleba stated that they hope Lavrov will consult with Russian decision-makers and that the humanitarian corridor will be successful, adding, "We can't put an end to the war. We will be unable to halt the war if the attacking country and state do not wish to do so."
"When the Russian side is ready to meet, I will be ready for this meeting," Kuleba said, emphasizing that the only thing they need today is a "serious and constructive meeting."
Foreign Minister Kuleba went on to say:
“I came here as a foreign minister with the authority to make decisions in order to find a solution, but he (Lavrov) came only to listen.”
Pointing out that the meeting in question was both difficult and easy, Foreign Minister Kuleba said, "Why was it easy? Because Foreign Minister Lavrov continued his traditional narratives about Ukraine. It was difficult. Because I did my best. At least I tried to find a diplomatic solution because there is a humanitarian tragedy in the occupied cities and on the war fronts. I have done my best to seek diplomatic avenues to end this humanitarian tragedy."
Noting that all they need today is a serious and constructive meeting, Kuleba stated that they will do everything in their power to maintain peace and save the lives of their citizens.
Kuleba stated that if Russia voices a significant need for a serious and constructive meeting, they may meet again, adding, “We will continue to work to bring the war in Ukraine to an end, as well as to stop the suffering of Ukrainians and Ukrainian civilians.”
Kuleba said that they expect Russia to allow a humanitarian corridor from Mariupol, Sumi and Poltava, and added:
“I have realised that the ceasefire is actually about whether Putin’s demands regarding Ukraine are fulfilled or not. Ukraine has not given up, is not giving up and will not give up. We are open to diplomacy, we seek diplomatic solutions, but as long as they (diplomatic solutions) are unavailable, we will bravely sacrifice ourselves to defend our homeland, territory and people from Russian aggression. I hope to see this format repeated in the future.”
Emphasising that Russia appears unwilling to establish a ceasefire if Ukraine does not surrender, Kuleba said, “We want to see balanced diplomatic solutions here, but we will not surrender.”
In response to a question on whether Russia has made any concrete requests on humanitarian issues, Kuleba stated: "I made a very simple offer and said, ‘We are all quite likely to have smartphones, and I could make a call to my own authorities right now, to my president, to my chief of general staff, and assure you a hundred percent. As a Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, I can assure you that everyone will make a pledge concerning humanitarian corridors, and that they will truly serve their function. Could you be able to do the same? Could you make those calls?’ I asked, but he did not respond.”.
Kuleba noted that the ruling party of Ukraine's proposal for Türkiye and the US to serve as guarantor countries was not discussed during the talks, and added, “Our consistent and steady policies involve eventually becoming a full member of NATO and reaping the benefits of the NATO agreement's security and safety. These are not things that will happen all at once, but future-oriented efforts will continue in the meanwhile. Concerning Russia's war on Ukraine, NATO is not ready to act collectively to stop this attack or to protect civilians from Russian air strikes.”.