Ukraine Urges Diplomats to Deliver

Ukrainian diplomats must secure concrete outcomes that strengthen the country’s defense capabilities, attract investment and support its position in future security arrangements, Head of the Office of the President Kyrylo Budanov said on Aug. 3 during a meeting of Ukraine’s foreign diplomatic mission chiefs.

Speaking at the “Restoring Peace and Ukraine’s Leadership” meeting, Budanov said diplomatic efforts should lead to decisions by partner governments, international contracts and investment. He said Ukraine’s influence over future security and stability would depend directly on the work of its representatives abroad.

Budanov identified strengthening Ukraine’s defense, particularly air defense, as the primary task of diplomatic missions. He also called for proposals involving joint defense production, the localization of defense-industry facilities in Ukraine and the creation of long-term security alliances integrating defense technologies and supply chains.

He said Ukraine also aimed to attract foreign investment to its broader economy and defense-industrial sector while developing high-technology industries under European quality standards. Budanov further urged diplomats to increase engagement with countries in the Global South, especially in Africa, focusing on security, mine clearance, counterterrorism, agricultural exports, technology and education.