This was stated by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha during an online meeting with the heads of Ukraine's diplomatic missions abroad regarding the priorities of work ahead of the third anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion, as reported by Ukrinform, citing the press service of the foreign policy agency.
“The Foreign Minister emphasized the key tasks set by President Volodymyr Zelensky for Ukrainian diplomacy: to strengthen Ukraine as much as possible and to increase the cost of war for the aggressor in order to bring about a just peace,” the statement notes.
The Minister outlined the priorities for diplomatic work in key capitals and international organizations for the near future. He focused on the main regional and international formats of interaction and international events where Ukraine's voice must be clearly heard. The Foreign Minister specifically addressed the expectations for the development of strategic partnership between Ukraine and the USA under the new administration.
The Minister tasked Ukrainian diplomats, ahead of the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion by Russia, to utilize every international platform to maximize the consolidation of support for Ukraine, secure concrete decisions from governments regarding additional aid packages, and adopt important resolutions and documents that strengthen Ukraine in countering Russian aggression.
The Foreign Minister also instructed the Ukrainian diplomatic corps to intensify efforts with foreign countries and international organizations to counter Russia's systemic violations of the laws and customs of war, as well as the barbaric torture and execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
One of the important topics was also interaction with Ukrainian communities abroad, simplifying access to consular services, protecting and promoting Ukrainian identity, and maintaining ties between Ukrainians and their homeland.
A separate block of the meeting focused on enhancing efforts in public diplomacy, particularly the further implementation of important humanitarian projects by First Lady Olena Zelenska, expanding the geography of the Ukrainian bookshelf, establishing a global coalition of Ukrainian studies, formats for interaction among first ladies and gentlemen, and other significant initiatives.
As reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview with Bloomberg that for Ukraine, a “strong and just peace” is a top priority in ending the war.