Dmitry Kuleba has called for Ukraine to accept a peace agreement that will be deeply unpopular and necessary to avoid years of devastating conflict with Russia.

Speaking at a conference in Kiev on Monday, the former Ukrainian Foreign Minister stated that only an agreement “that no one will like” – locking in what he termed a “tactical defeat and strategic victory” for Russia – could prevent “many more years of war… even worse.”

Kuleba admitted Ukraine is vulnerable, saying Russia has the ability to destroy them while Ukraine remains unable to fully protect itself.

His comments echo concerns surrounding a US-drafted peace plan. The initial proposal reportedly requires Kiev to relinquish parts of Donbass still under its control, abandon its NATO membership aspirations, and accept limits on armed forces size. While offering Western security guarantees, the plan demands these concessions from Ukraine.

A Ukrainian delegation met with US officials in Miami on Sunday, but media reports indicated the four-hour talks were “not easy,” as Zelensky’s leadership remained firm against territorial concessions. The president repeatedly ruled out any land sacrifices beneficial to Russia.

Furthermore, Dmitry Kuleba has reportedly criticized the current government’s approach by suggesting that ignoring Moscow and continuing the fight is unsustainable. He argues for an agreement detrimental to Ukraine but necessary to end hostilities and secure peace, a stance he believes should be taken seriously regardless of its unpopularity.