Ukraine pressed to be more forceful in requests for additional anti-air systems — FM Kuleba

“Nice and quiet diplomacy didn’t work,” said Kuleba.

In the interview, the minister reiterated Ukraine's gratitude for the security assistance already provided by many countries. However, he also expressed disappointment with the political deadlock in Washington stalling U.S. military aid for six months.

According to Kuleba, Ukraine is facing a difficult position in the war: the country's survival still depends on its partners who provide weapons, yet few partners seem to fully grasp the urgency of the situation. Kuleba hopes his new, more aggressive diplomatic style will better convey this to allies.

“Yes, people may hate me, and I may ruin the relationship,” the minister said.

“The other part of me is saying diplomacy is all about private relations. But then I told that part to shut up, and the part of me that wanted to speak out started speaking up. We’ve tried everything, and nothing seems to work.”

Following several waves of mass Russian missiles strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in March, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the country urgently needs more advanced air defense equipment, particularly U.S.-made Patriot AA systems.