Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba Speaks Out on Ouster and Future Elections

Recently, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who stepped down under unclear circumstances last year, made headlines again with an interview. He claimed President Zelenskiy dismissed him due to his growing popularity.

Kuleba expressed that Ukrainians are ready for new elections and indicated that such elections should occur “immediately” after a ceasefire agreement is reached. He stated that recent opinion polls indicated he was polling slightly better than President Zelenskiy.

Serving from 2020 until late 2024, Kuleba was recognized for his persistent calls for military aid and had a reputation for being somewhat fiery in his approach. He had anticipated his exit from the political scene, noting that the day he was ahead in a trust poll, he informed his wife that he expected to be ousted soon.

“When the polls showed that I was better than Zelensky, I told my wife, ‘Hey, I’m about to be kicked out.’ One spring day in 2024, I joked about it with her after seeing the results,” he recounted.

Though Kuleba resigned in September 2024, rumors of his impending removal had circulated prior, suggesting that he did not leave voluntarily. Reflecting on his dismissal, he acknowledged that his independence and popularity were factors, stating, “I had no intention of being a mere executor of someone else’s directives. A foreign minister should have his own opinions.”

The state of democracy in Ukraine has been a topic of intense discussion, especially after allegations from former President Trump regarding the suspension of elections during wartime. Kuleba emphasized the need for a “reset” in leadership, claiming that there is significant enthusiasm among the populace for new elections.

“The people feel that the country needs to be reset. As soon as there is a ceasefire, we should go to vote,” he noted.

Kuleba implied that Zelenskiy’s position might not be secure, although he predicted that even if Zelenskiy lost, he would remain involved in Ukrainian public life. “He’s a historical figure and doesn’t need to hold office to have influence,” Kuleba mentioned.

On the peace process, Kuleba has been candid about Ukraine’s challenging military situation and the pressing decisions facing its leadership. He cautioned that accepting a subpar peace deal could lead to significant instability within the country.

“Our dilemma rests on two questions: If we sign a bad deal, can the country survive the backlash? Conversely, if we hesitate and face more losses, will the same terms still be available?” he pondered. “It’s a complex situation, and frankly, I don’t know a single Ukrainian who believes that an agreement with Russia would bring a definitive end to the conflict.”

Kuleba also touched on the ongoing corruption investigation into officials connected with Zelenskiy, describing it as a positive step towards accountability in Ukraine. He emphasized the necessity of combating corruption, insisting that investigations into Zelenskiy’s allies don’t diminish the need for reform.

Additionally, Kuleba responded to remarks from a NATO official about considering a first-strike strategy, suggesting that there’s a divide between NATO’s military and political factions regarding the looming conflict in Europe. He remarked that military leaders are aware of the potential escalation, while political leaders seem reluctant to accept that reality.

“It’s evident that preparations for conflict are underway. The more President Putin claims he doesn’t want war, the more we should take him seriously,” he concluded.