Putin went on a controversial trip. See top Ukrainian official's reaction

Summary

In a recent interview, Ukraine's Foreign Minister discussed the strategic implications of the Kursk incursion, emphasizing its impact on altering perceptions of a war stalemate and boosting morale. He refuted the idea of trading territories, highlighting the importance of prisoner swaps and the continued focus on defending against Russian advances. The Minister also addressed diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire on energy infrastructure and the potential for Ukraine's NATO membership, while expressing disappointment over Mongolia's接待 of President Putin, despite his ICC indictment.

Takeaways

• 😯 The Kursk incursion was a strategic move to complicate the enemy's situation and impose Ukraine's will.
• 🌐 It aimed to counter the narrative of a war stalemate and demonstrate Ukraine's capability to advance.
• 🏰 The operation was also a message to Russia, showing the contrast between Putin's land grabbing and his army's defensive struggles.
• 🔥 It served as a morale boost for Ukrainians and a signal to allies about Ukraine's determination and potential.
• 🤔 The incursion was not about trading territories but about making Russia's position more difficult.
• 👥 The success of the operation could potentially lead to prisoner swaps, bringing Ukrainian soldiers back home.
• 🛡️ Despite concerns about territorial defense, the operation did not undermine efforts in other strategic areas like Port Cross.
• 🌍 The interview suggests ongoing diplomatic efforts regarding energy infrastructure, despite the Kursk incursion.
• 🔄 There's an expectation for Ukraine to receive an invitation to NATO before the 2025 summit, signifying a clear path for partnership.
• 💡 President Zelensky is set to present a four-point victory plan to the administration, details of which will be revealed at the appropriate time.
• 😠 There's disappointment and concern over Mongolia's接待 of President Putin, despite his indictment by the ICC, indicating a disregard for international obligations.

Q & A

What was the strategic purpose behind the Kursk incursion?

The strategic purpose was to complicate the enemy's life, impose Ukraine's will, and counter the narrative of a war stalemate. It was also aimed at boosting morale and showing Ukraine's capability to advance and win.

How did the Kursk incursion impact the perception of the war among Ukraine's partners?

The incursion demonstrated Ukraine's ability to change the course of the war, defeating the notion of a stalemate and influencing decision-making processes among partners.

What was the message conveyed to the people of Russia through the Kursk incursion?

The message was that Putin is more efficient at grabbing land than defending it, which is having an impact on the Russian people, making them question and discuss the situation.

How does the Ukrainian diplomat view the idea of a localized ceasefire on energy infrastructure?

The diplomat believes that Ukraine should not have to bargain with Russia on this matter, as Russia must stop attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

What is the stance on the potential territorial swap as a bargaining chip?

Ukraine does not view territorial gains as bargaining chips, as it implies having to give something up in Ukraine, which is not the intention.

What is the current status of Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO?

Ukraine has not yet received an invitation but sees an opportunity for this to happen before the next NATO summit in 2025. The focus is on extending an invitation, not immediate membership.

What is the significance of the four-point victory plan that Ukraine is presenting?

The four-point victory plan is a strategy that will be detailed by President Zelensky at an appropriate time, aiming to provide a clear path to victory with the support of partners.

How does the Ukrainian diplomat respond to the situation with Mongolia receiving President Putin?

The diplomat expressed disappointment and concern over Mongolia's decision, which seems to violate its obligations under the Rome Statute, and discussions are ongoing on how to address this.

What is the diplomat's view on the operational security during the Kursk incursion?

The diplomat acknowledges the element of surprise and the effectiveness of operational security, which was maintained even among allies.

What is the diplomat's perspective on the impact of the Kursk incursion on the war's multiple theaters?

The diplomat views the incursion as an opportunity to inflict more damage on the enemy across multiple theaters, without undermining efforts in other areas like Port Cross.

Outlines

00:00

🔥 Kursk Incursion and Its Diplomatic Implications

The diplomat discusses the strategic reasons behind the Kursk incursion, emphasizing that it was part of a broader war effort with multiple theaters. The incursion was intended to complicate the enemy's situation and to counter the narrative of a war stalemate. It was also a demonstration of Ukraine's capability to advance and win, serving as a morale boost for the Ukrainian people and a message to Russia. The diplomat dismisses the idea of trading territories and emphasizes that the goal was to make Russia's allies' position more difficult. The incursion was also seen as a way to potentially gain prisoners for a swap, thereby bringing Ukrainian soldiers back. The diplomat highlights that the operation did not undermine efforts in other areas, such as Port Cross, and that it was important to show that Ukraine could act effectively.

05:00

🌐 Diplomacy and NATO Membership for Ukraine

The conversation shifts to diplomatic efforts and the possibility of a ceasefire on energy infrastructure, with potential mediation by Qatar or another country. The diplomat refutes the idea that the Kursk operation negatively affected these diplomatic efforts. They also discuss Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership, expressing optimism that an invitation could be extended before the 2025 summit. The diplomat clarifies that the invitation is not about immediate membership but about signaling support and removing ambiguity. They mention a four-point victory plan to be presented by the president, suggesting it is efficient and significant, though details are to be revealed at the appropriate time. The discussion concludes with a critique of Mongolia's接待 of President Putin, despite his indictment by the ICC, and the diplomat's disappointment with Mongolia's apparent disregard for international obligations.

Keywords

💡Kursk incursion

The 'Kursk incursion' refers to a military operation or action that took place in Kursk, a region in Russia, which was a surprise to many, including allies. In the context of the video, it signifies a strategic move in a larger conflict, aiming to complicate the enemy's situation and assert one's own will. The discussion around this term in the script revolves around the strategic implications and the diplomatic fallout of such an incursion.

💡Operational security

Operational security in the script refers to the measures taken to protect military or sensitive information from being discovered by adversaries. It is mentioned to highlight the effectiveness of保密措施, which even surprised allies, indicating a high level of secrecy and planning.

💡Theater of war

A 'theater of war' is an area or region where military operations occur during a war. The script mentions that wars of scale have multiple theaters, implying that the conflict is not confined to one area but is happening simultaneously in various locations, which is a common characteristic of complex military engagements.

💡Stalemate

In the context of the video, 'stalemate' refers to a situation where neither side in a conflict is making progress or achieving victory. The script discusses how the Kursk incursion was a response to the perception of a stalemate, demonstrating that Ukraine could still take significant actions to change the course of the war.

💡Diplomatic perspective

The 'diplomatic perspective' is the viewpoint or strategy from the standpoint of international relations and diplomacy. The script uses this term to frame the discussion around the strategic decisions made by Ukraine in the conflict, considering the impact on international partners and the broader geopolitical landscape.

💡Morale boost

A 'morale boost' is a situation or event that improves the confidence and spirit of a group, often in challenging circumstances. In the script, it is mentioned as a positive outcome of the Kursk incursion, aiming to uplift the spirits of the Ukrainian people and demonstrate their resilience.

💡Prisoners of war

In the script, 'prisoners of war' refers to individuals captured during military engagements. The discussion around this term highlights the strategic use of prisoners for potential swaps, which can be a means of recovering one's own soldiers and is a common aspect of conflict resolution.

💡Territorial swap

A 'territorial swap' is an agreement between two parties to exchange control of certain territories. The script clarifies that Ukraine does not approach the conflict with the logic of territorial swaps, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of their land and people.

💡Energy infrastructure

The term 'energy infrastructure' in the script refers to the facilities and systems that supply energy, such as power plants and grids. The discussion revolves around the targeting of such infrastructure as a war strategy, with implications for civilian life and international relations, especially concerning the potential for diplomatic efforts to protect these critical assets.

💡NATO membership

In the script, 'NATO membership' is discussed as a potential goal for Ukraine, indicating a desire for stronger security alliances. The conversation around this term addresses the political and strategic considerations of joining NATO, the implications for Ukraine's defense, and the signaling to both allies and adversaries.

💡Victory plan

The 'victory plan' mentioned in the script is a strategic outline or set of objectives that Ukraine intends to present to its allies. It is portrayed as a concise but effective approach to achieving success in the conflict, with the expectation of international support to realize these goals.

Highlights

The Kursk incursion was a surprise to everyone, including allies, and was part of a strategy to complicate the enemy's situation.

The operation aimed to impose Ukraine's will on the enemy and counter the narrative of a war stalemate.

The success in Kursk was meant to demonstrate Ukraine's ability to change the course of the war and boost morale.

The incursion was not aimed at Putin or his circle but rather to show the Russian people the contrast between offensive and defensive capabilities.

The Kursk operation had a psychological impact on the Russian public, raising questions about the war's justification.

Ukraine's military actions are not about trading territories but about making it difficult for Russia and its allies.

Capturing prisoners of war is crucial for potential swaps to bring back Ukrainian soldiers.

Ukraine does not consider territorial swaps as it implies giving up on something within Ukraine.

The Kursk operation did not undermine efforts in other theaters like Port Cross.

Ukraine's military strategy involves exploiting opportunities to inflict damage on the enemy.

There have been diplomatic efforts to negotiate a localized ceasefire on energy infrastructure.

Ukraine has not been bargaining with Russia over energy infrastructure attacks; it demands they stop.

Ukraine sees an opportunity for a NATO invitation before the 2025 summit in the Netherlands.

Ukraine is not seeking immediate NATO membership but a clear signal to remove ambiguity about its future status.

The four-point victory plan will be presented by President Zelensky, with details to be revealed at the appropriate time.

Mongolia's接待 of Putin, despite being a signatory to the ICC and Putin's indictment, has been met with disapproval from Ukraine.

Ukraine has communicated its concerns to Mongolia regarding its international obligations under the Rome Statute.

Transcripts

Can I ask you about the Kursk incursion?

This seemed to come as a big surprise

to everybody.

You obviously have very good

operational security,

but even your allies were surprised.

Why did you do this?

From the let's just say

from the diplomatic perspective,

which you are, the chief diplomat,

what was

what is the strategy behind this?

Well, first, every war of this scale

that we are having

is has multiple theaters of war.

So things happen simultaneously

in different directions.

And you have to constantly think

how to make the life of your enemy

more complicated.

how to, impose

your will on the enemy and not endure,

the will of the enemy imposed on you.

Second,

you remember we spoke like,

in the spring,

I think,

and everyone was talking

about a stalemate in the war.

And there is nothing Ukraine can do.

Ukraine can not change

the course of the war.

Russia is moving, is advancing,

and there is nothing Ukraine can do.

And it had a direct impact in capitals.

among among our partners

and their decision making processes.

Now, we showed everyone

we defeated,

not only we defeated

the Russian army in course,

we defeated the arguments

so popular

in among,

our partners that there was a stalemate.

Because now everyone sees that

when everyone sees what

we've been talking about all the time,

when Ukraine has everything it needs,

we do not like courage and military skill

to advance and win with it.

So, you know, this is something you want

to show your partners.

It's morale boost for your own people.

Was it aimed at changing a calculation

in Moscow

to around

to Putin or people around Putin?

I don't believe in people around Putin.

I think, the

I think what the people of Russia saw,

is that Putin is more efficient

in grabbing

someone else's land

than in defending his own land.

And I think this is a

very important message.

We that's none of us can fully,

and fully

appreciate in the sense of its impact

on the people of Russia.

But it's there.

They're talking about it,

they're asking themselves questions.

And now that the Russians

see how the Russian army is

even with the ground,

Russian villages, Russian houses,

that has a very

negative impact on them as well.

Talking about grabbing territory

as you know,

Russians are advancing on crafts

on, on, on, you know,

important logistical hubs.

Was this worth it, this trade off?

Because there is,

as you can tell in the

in the in the chatter around

there's some anger amongst Ukrainians.

They say, hang on a second.

There's one thing going up there.

But don't forget,

we need to be able to defend

the territory

that we're trying to defend here.

This is also really important.

Can you talk to

to that and to the trade off?

If there is?

Of course,

we do not think in terms of trade offs.

This is not our our logic.

We are not trading our territories.

We are not trading our people.

It was a clear, objective to make

Russia's allies, more difficult.

And this was one of the key goals of the,

of the course, of course, cooperation.

Second,

as President Zelensky

stated on numerous occasions,

we have taken many prisoners of war,

which in in quarters

which will allow us to do a swap

and bring our, our soldiers,

more of our soldiers back.

This is a very important issue.

And the territorial swap, possibly.

Is that also an issue?

I mean, if you

if you occupy

however many square

kilometers of Russian land,

is that also a bargaining chip?

no, we don't

again, we don't think of that in terms

of, swapping territories,

because that will imply

that we have to swap something

in in Ukraine.

And we want we want to do that.

but again, if we were not doing

anything and Russia was still advancing

near Port Cross,

you know, the

the argument would be

why you're not doing anything.

We've done something

something that is having an impact.

but it does not undermine our efforts

in Port Cross.

Of course,

our generals are better, fit

to talk about this matter,

but, from what I see, again,

this is a war of multiple theaters,

and we should never waste

an opportunity to to, inflict

more damage on the enemy.

So, as you spoke,

at the beginning,

the Russians see winter coming.

They want to attack your energy grid

like they did the first winter, for sure.

and you are also

attacking their refineries.

I mean, let's face it.

And the West doesn't like that

because it jacks up the price of oil. But

there has been a

report that there was some diplomacy

potentially underway

to have at least

some kind of localized cease fire

on energy infrastructure for the winter

that Qatar or someone else

might, might mediate.

Can you confirm that to us and tell us

this is before the Kursk incursion?

Well, ever since the large scale

invasion began,

there have been numerous

attempts to do, diplomacy,

against the background of the region

front line.

some initiatives were more successful

than others.

but, first and foremost,

the to think that,

you know, Ukraine, Ukraine was attacked,

Ukraine is being attacked. It's ended.

We lost half of our energy generation

as a result of Russian Russian attacks.

You don't have to bargain

with them on this.

They must stop it.

This is, I think, clear.

Clear to everyone.

So I would,

What I can say is that the rumors

that Kursk operation killed

the opportunity

to defend Ukraine,

to stop Russian attacks

on Ukraine's energy

infrastructure are largely exaggerated.

As I said, you have a delegation,

trying to persuade the administration

to do many things.

I also want to understand

where you are with NATO.

You were hoping for an invitation

to start the process during the summer.

Some. It didn't come.

Do you think it's going

to come any time soon?

If I didn't, I?

When do you think it might?

Well, I clearly see, an opportunity

for that, to happen

before the next summit,

need to summit

in the Netherlands in 2025.

I think, you know,

when there is a will, there is a way.

And, the way is actually clear.

You don't even have to look for it.

because by all accounts, Ukraine

can receive an invitation even now.

Even today.

Because we are not talking about,

imminent membership in the in NATO.

This is just about clarifying

the signal about removing this,

the this there is a saying,

the constructive ambiguity,

and it's not constructive anymore.

So, I think, for us,

the issue of the invitation

is still on the table.

We are, bringing this point up in talks

with our allies.

Of course, first and foremost,

with the United States.

And we want to make it very clear

we're not talking about

becoming a NATO member tomorrow.

We are talking about extending invitation

to Ukraine today.

Meantime,

can you tell us about the four point

victory plan

that you're also going to present,

to the administration?

What is that?

Let's leave it to the president.

He made, he he he made a teaser,

about it.

And, it's it's a very short,

but, in, in my view, very efficient way.

If we're,

if, partners decide to,

to support the president,

will himself

reveal all the details

at the appropriate time.

Lastly, as we speak

and as these ballistic missiles

keep raining down,

President Putin is in Mongolia

being received by the president.

Mongolia is a signatory to the ICC.

The president has been, indicted,

for removing Ukrainian children.

What's your reaction to that?

Well.

Did you talk to the Mongolians?

Do you? Strong?

Well, we told them we sent.

we

we sent a very clear

message ahead of the visit.

It was ignored.

we, sent

a very clear message

after the visit began.

It seems to be ignored as well.

we will be talking, inside of Ukraine

and also with our partners on how,

Mongolia's respect towards

its own international obligations

under the law.

But you don't expect President

Putin to be arrested while he's there.

Well, I do, but from everything

I've seen so far,

it seems to me

that, Mongolia decided to blatantly,

violate its obligations

under the Rome Statute.

Foreign Minister Kuleba,

thank you very much

indeed for being with us. Thank you.