Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that negotiations with Russia will only become possible when Russia withdraws its troops from Ukraine, and that for now the path to victory is purely military as Russia stubbornly believes it can achieve its goals through military means.

If there is a diplomatic solution and a way to save people's lives and health, soldiers and civilians, then of course diplomacy is preferable. But as of now, Russia is being stubborn and believes that it can still achieve some of its goals through military means, and we are showing them, together with our partners, that it will not achieve them through military means. So, for now, the path to victory is purely military.

If Russia voluntarily withdraws from the territory of Ukraine to save the lives of its soldiers, then the way will be opened for some kind of negotiations.

The allies support Ukraine's desire to regain control of its lands within the internationally recognised 1991 borders, including militarily.

It is still too soon for diplomatic voices to become louder. These voices will try to sound louder towards the end of the year.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine would be ready for a diplomatic settlement of the war only when its 1991 borders are restored, while peace without Crimea under Ukraine's control would not be considered a victory.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told Radio Svoboda on July 12 that the path to Ukraine's victory is 'purely military' and Russia must first withdraw its troops from Ukraine to facilitate negotiations.