The great military deployment of Russia near the border with Ukraine 1:37
KYIV, Ukraine (CNN) --
Ukraine "will not allow anyone to impose any concessions on us" as part of efforts to de-escalate the threat of conflict with Russia, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in an exclusive interview this week. Tuesday.
Kuleba stressed that the country will not accept any compromise aimed at placating Russian President Vladimir Putin amid fears that Russia may be planning to invade Ukraine, something Moscow denies.
"If someone makes a concession on Ukraine, behind Ukraine's back, first of all, we will not accept it. We will not be in the position of the country that picks up the phone, listens to the instruction of the great power and follows it," Kuleba said.
ANALYSIS |
Biden Ramps Up Pressure as Putin Considers Ukraine Invasion
"We have paid a lot -- including 15,000 lives of our citizens -- to ensure the right to decide our own future, our own destiny," he insisted.
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Ukraine has warned that Russia is trying to destabilize the country ahead of any planned military invasion.
Western powers have repeatedly warned Russia not to take further aggressive action against Ukraine.
The Kremlin denies it is planning to attack and argues that NATO's support for Ukraine -- including increased arms supplies and military training -- constitutes a growing threat on Russia's western flank.
NATO strengthens presence in Eastern Europe 0:58
Kuleba said he has no doubts about the US commitment to defending his country, despite comments from President Joe Biden suggesting a "minor incursion" by Russian troops might not provoke a harsh response from the military alliance. of NATO.
"First of all, President Biden is personally committed to Ukraine. He knows this country and he doesn't want Russia to destroy it," Kuleba said.
"Secondly, we have heard from those American officials, speaking openly to the media, but also speaking to me and other Ukrainian officials directly on the phone, that the United States will remain absolutely committed to hitting Russia if any kind of incursion occurs. , invasion, interference," he added.
RussiaUkraine