Ukrainian ambassadors to meet in Kyiv for strategic talks

Senior Ukrainian diplomats will convene in Kyiv from August 3 to 7 for their annual conference, focusing on ending the war and strengthening the country’s international role, the foreign ministry announced.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the five-day gathering of heads of diplomatic missions abroad will be held under the theme “Restoring Peace and Ukraine’s Leadership.”

According to Sybiha, the slogan is selected each year to reflect the prevailing geopolitical context and to underscore key priorities.

“This year we have chosen the title ‘Restoring Peace and Ukraine’s Leadership’. Restoring peace — because there is no more important task for our diplomacy than ending the war. Ukraine’s leadership — because our state is gaining a new role on the international stage that must be consolidated and expanded,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to address the ambassadors and outline priorities for the upcoming political season.

The agenda includes a dedicated session on European Union integration.

The second day will focus on defence and security issues, including the urgent strengthening of air and missile defence systems, the development of an anti-ballistic coalition, efforts to secure the return of Ukrainians held in Russia, increasing pressure on Moscow, and pursuing accountability for alleged crimes.

Discussions on the third day will centre on economic diplomacy, consular services and improvements to citizen services. The fourth day will address priorities in international organisations, as well as “soft power” and public diplomacy. The final day will be devoted to setting priorities and objectives for the coming year, the ministry said.

By Tamilla Hasanova