KIEV, Ukraine – The newly appointed Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, has outlined his key priorities in a lengthy statement, emphasizing the need for enhanced defense capabilities and European integration.
Sybiha, who was voted in as the country’s top diplomat by the Ukrainian parliament on September 5, 2024, has made it clear that his immediate focus is on strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Weapon, weapon, weapon, he wrote in a Facebook post, highlighting the urgency of ensuring Ukraine’s national security.
The 49-year-old diplomat, who previously served as Ukraine’s ambassador to Turkey and deputy head of the presidential office, has been a vocal advocate for increased military support from the West. He argues that lifting all人为 restrictions on Western weapons supplies and their use within Russia is crucial for Ukraine’s defense efforts.
In addition to bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities, Sybiha has made it clear that his second priority is to advance the country’s bid for membership in the European Union and NATO. He was one of the first officials to announce the signing of Ukraine’s application for EU membership, just four days after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022.
The primary task of Ukrainian diplomacy is to ensure the country’s defense capabilities, from ambassadors to consular officers, Sybiha wrote. The next task is to cancel all人为 restrictions on the supply of Western weapons and their use within Russia.
The new Foreign Minister also hinted at a possible overhaul of Ukraine’s diplomatic institutions to better adapt to the new geopolitical reality. There will be personnel changes, including new ambassadors and consuls, he said, without providing further details.
According to the Kyiv Independent, Sybiha is also planning to revise Ukraine’s foreign policy strategy based on the current state of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Our foreign policy strategy will be adjusted according to the current situation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he said, without elaborating on specific changes.
In addition to these key priorities, Sybiha also mentioned other tasks, such as developing diplomacy in the legislative and economic sectors, involving professionals and businesses in formulating foreign policy, and collaborating with Ukrainian communities abroad.
Sybiha’s appointment as Ukraine’s Foreign Minister comes at a critical time for the country, as it continues to grapple with the ongoing conflict with Russia. His focus on defense and European integration is seen as a necessary step towards ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and stability in the face of continued aggression from its eastern neighbor.
As Ukraine seeks to strengthen its military capabilities and advance its European integration aspirations, the world will be watching closely to see how Sybiha’s priorities translate into concrete actions and achievements on the ground.
Views: 0