Diplomatic Strains and Ongoing Warfare: Sergiy Kyslytsya’s Stand

Sergiy Olehovych Kyslytsya holds the position of first deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. Previously, he served as Ukraine’s permanent representative to the United Nations.

During Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Kyslytsya was stationed in New York as Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.N. On that crucial day, he addressed his Russian counterpart, Vasily Nebenzya, candidly. Kyslytsya declared, “There is no purgatory for war criminals. They go straight to hell, ambassador.”

The invasion led to a break in diplomatic ties between Kyiv and Moscow. Despite the severed relations, Kyslytsya maintained a unique role at the U.N., directly engaging with the Russian diplomat. He explained, “My fellow ambassadors in all capitals around the world would not talk to them. So by the time I was part of our negotiating team, I already knew how to control my feelings and attitude.”

Sergiy Kyslytsya, then Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Nations, held the U.N. Charter as he spoke during a special session on the conflict on March 2, 2022, in New York.

Despite efforts, U.S.-mediated negotiations stalled. The Trump administration’s focus on other international conflicts contributed to these delays. Still, Ukraine continued dialogue with both American and Russian officials. Kyslytsya played a critical role in these diplomatic discussions since 2025, emphasizing, “Dialogue is active and ongoing.”

Inside the protected presidential compound in Kyiv, Kyslytsya, the first deputy head of President Zelenskyy’s office, discussed Ukraine’s stance on the war. His office featured wartime artwork and various history and current-affairs books. DeZi, his 13-year-old Jack Russell terrier, kept watch.

Kyiv’s position involves stopping the war by freezing the conflict along the current frontline. Kyslytsya stressed that this does not mean recognizing occupied territories as Russian. He criticized Moscow’s unrealistic demands. One such demand is the “3+2” proposal, the “Anchorage formula,” emerging from a summit in 2025 involving President Trump and Russian President Putin. Moscow seeks recognition for claims over five Ukrainian regions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated this failed because Ukraine would not agree.

Kyslytsya explained, “The Russians are obsessed with taking full control of the Donetsk region. They tell the Americans this could happen in a few months.” Despite these claims, visible evidence shows deep scars in cities like Druzhkivka, Donetsk, from continuous battles.

This conflict has transcended traditional warfare. Kyslytsya noted, “It is a war of the 21st century. We have the upper hand.” Ukrainian long-range drone strikes have targeted Russian resources, leading to shortages and decreasing their war capability.

According to Kyslytsya, the Russian army no longer advances significantly. This assessment is shared by Ukraine’s partners, including the U.S. Recently, President Trump praised Ukrainian troops at a NATO summit. President Zelenskyy has also proposed direct talks with President Putin through an open letter.

Kyslytsya said, “In Russia, this war is a decision of just one person. And it can be stopped at any given time by just one person.” He suggested that a meeting between leaders could occur this year for significant progress.

Despite Putin’s current refusal, Kyslytsya believes that the war’s ongoing developments might eventually force Putin to negotiate. “If we continue with long-range strikes, sooner or later, the Russian leader would have to sit down and discuss how to end this war,” Kyslytsya asserted. He speculated that even Putin understands Ukraine’s strengthened position.