If Russia’s goal was to exhaust, break Ukraine’s will, it has failed – Ambassador Ivan Kholostenko

Today, Monday, February 24, 2025 is the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which actually started in 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea, a Ukrainian territory. The invasion, the largest and deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II, has caused hundreds of thousands of military casualties and tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilian casualties. In the last three years and against long odds, Ukrainians – with massive military support from the U.S. – have prevented Russia from overtaking their country, even if roughly one fifth of it is now under Russia control. After three years of war, both civilians and soldiers are, expectedly, exhausted. Hundreds of thousands have been killed or wounded, tens of thousands are missing, and millions have fled the country. But that was before U.S. President Donald Trump injected himself into the conflict, signaling his desire to rapidly bring the fighting to an end, albeit, on terms that Zelenskyy and many in the West say are too favourable to Russia. But Ukrainians remain defiant. In this exclusive interview with TheNiche, Ukraine’s ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mr. Ivan Kholostenko, tells IKECHUKWU AMAECHI, that they are confident in their ability to win the war against Russia and secure lasting peace. “If Russia’s goal was to exhaust and break Ukraine’s will, it has failed,” he said.

Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy

Your Excellency, today, February 24, 2025 is exactly three years since Russia invaded Ukraine. Looking back, what has the last three years meant for Ukrainians?

For Ukrainians, the past three years have been a time of immense suffering, resilience, and unwavering determination. Attempting to erase Ukraine from the map, Russia has launched brutal attacks on our cities, war crimes against our people, and the forced deportation of our children to Russia.

These three years have also been a testament to global solidarity. The international community, including many African nations, has condemned Russia’s aggression and supported Ukraine’s fight for justice. We are deeply grateful for this support. We are fighting for a world where borders cannot be changed by force, where nations have the right to choose their own path, and where colonialism —whether old or new — has no place.

This anniversary is a painful reminder of the cost of our resistance, but it is also a symbol of our unbreakable spirit. Ukraine will continue to fight until every inch of our land is free, and until justice is served.

With the benefit of hindsight, would you say this war was inevitable? Was it not avoidable? Are there things Ukraine could have done to avoid the war?

This is a crucial question, and I appreciate the opportunity to address it. With the benefit of hindsight, it is clear that this war was not only avoidable but entirely unnecessary. Ukraine never sought conflict with Russia. We are a peaceful nation that gained independence in 1991 and has consistently pursued diplomatic solutions to disputes. However, Russia — driven by imperial ambitions — viewed Ukraine’s independence as a threat to its neo-colonial vision.

Let’s be clear: this war began in 2014 when Russia illegally annexed Crimea and launched a war in eastern Ukraine. For eight years, Ukraine tried every possible diplomatic avenue to resolve the conflict peacefully. But Russia never sought peaceful solution. Instead, it used diplomacy as a smokescreen while preparing for a full-scale invasion.

Considering the colossal losses on both sides but particularly on the side of Ukraine, is this war worth it?

If Ukraine surrendered, it would mean the end of our sovereignty. Russia has made it clear that it does not recognize Ukraine as a real nation. In areas under Russian occupation, we have seen horrific war crimes — mass executions, torture chambers, forced deportations, and the kidnapping of Ukrainian children. If Russia wins, these atrocities will not stop; they will only spread. Ukraine has no choice – but to stand up for our homes.

Many African nations fought long and hard for independence from colonial rule. Imagine if a former colonial power invaded one of those nations today, claiming it was “not real” or “historically part of” another state. Would the world accept that?

Russia continues to attack Ukraine. On February 12, Russian strikes on Kyiv killed one and injured four including a child, aren’t Ukrainians getting weary?

Every life lost in this war is a painful reminder of Russia’s brutality and disregard for human life. Attacking civilians, including children, is not an act of war — it is an act of terror.

Are Ukrainians weary? Of course. No nation can endure three years of relentless bombings, destruction, and personal loss without feeling the weight of it. But if Russia’s goal was to exhaust and break Ukraine’s will, it has failed. Despite everything, Ukrainians remain determined to fight for their country and their freedom. Weary? Yes. Defeated? Never.

Ukrainian male adults are being conscripted into the army. How helpful is that?

Conscription is essential for Ukraine’s defense. Russia has a much larger population and continues to mobilize hundreds of thousands of soldiers. To resist this aggression, Ukraine needs a well-trained and well-equipped army, and that requires new recruits.

Yet unlike Russia, which sends untrained men as cannon fodder, Ukraine provides proper training and equipment. Our forces are defending their own homes, which gives them a stronger motivation than Russian invaders.

President Zelenskyy recently said, “Only strong steps and pressure on Russia can stop this terror. Right now, we need the unity and the support of all our partners in the fight for a just end to this war.” What in the wisdom of Kyiv will be a “just end” to the war?

A just end to the war means restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity, ensuring lasting security, and upholding international law. Kyiv’s vision of peace is not about temporary ceasefires or compromises at the expense of Ukraine’s sovereignty. It is about a real, just, and lasting peace based on the Peace Formula, proposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which aligns with the UN Charter and global security principles.

Ukraine has always been open to diplomacy, but not to agreements that allow Russia to continue its aggression under a different form. The Peace Formula outlines ten key points, from nuclear safety and food security to the withdrawal of Russian troops and justice for war crimes. It has gained the support of a global majority, with 95 states backing the Joint Communique at the First Global Peace Summit in 2024 and remains open for accession by everyone who respects the UN Charter.  

A just peace is also one that prevents future aggression. This is why Ukraine has proposed the Victory Plan, which strengthens our defense, economy, and international alliances, ensuring that war is no longer a viable tool of politics in the 21st century.

Simply put, peace cannot be a pause that allows Russia to regroup. It must be a decisive and irreversible end to the war—one where Ukraine regains full control over its internationally recognized borders, and where international law prevails over the rule of force.

How do you see the second coming of President Donald Trump and the possible impact it will have on the war? Does he come across as an impartial arbiter? In other words, do Ukrainians trust him?

Ukraine deeply values its strategic partnership with the United States, which has been a key ally in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and helping to uphold the principles of international law. Ukraine also deeply respects the democratic choices of the American people. Regardless of political changes in Washington, we are confident that the strong relationship between our nations will continue.

When it comes to mediation efforts, Ukraine’s position remains clear: any peace process must adhere to two fundamental principles: Ukraine must be directly involved in all negotiations concerning its future, and any proposal must align with the UN Charter, ensuring full respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The Peace Formula provides a comprehensive approach for meaningful discussions and the consolidation of different perspectives.

We believe that the United States, as a global leader and a close partner of Ukraine, will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring justice and stability.

Presidents Trump, Zelenskyy and Putin

How hopeful are you that Ukraine can win this war, without the active support of the US?

Ukraine deeply appreciates the unwavering support of its partners in providing weapons, ammunition, and critical defense systems. While we continue to strengthen our own defense industry, international assistance remains crucial to ensuring Ukraine’s victory and preventing the war from escalating beyond our borders.

While the situation remains challenging, Ukraine is determined to continue resisting aggression. With sustained international support and our growing domestic defense capabilities, we are confident in our ability to win this war and secure lasting peace.

What will be your idea of winning the war?

First – an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO. The second point is defense. It outlines the irreversible strengthening of Ukraine’s defense against the aggressor. The third point is deterrence. Ukraine offers to deploy a comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package on its territory, sufficient to protect the country from any military threat posed by Russia. The fourth point is strategic economic potential. Ukraine offers its strategic partners a special agreement for the joint protection of the country’s critical resources, as well as joint investment and use of this economic potential. The fifth point is security related. It is designed for the post-war period and involves, if partners agree, the replacement of certain U.S. military contingents stationed in Europe with Ukrainian units that have gained real experience in modern warfare. This will not only guarantee Ukraine’s security but also strengthen global stability.

But U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has been quoted as saying it was not realistic for Ukraine to regain all its land or become a member of NATO. Equally, President Putin has been quoted as saying that any attempt at settlement must address the root cause. Are you prepared to give up your quest for NATO membership? Is Kyiv also ready for territorial concession as part of the deals to end the brutal war?

Ending the war, Ukraine demands firm security guarantees that would prevent further Russian aggression. As for the occupied territories, our land remains ours, even under occupation, and we will not give up the goal of returning it. Ukraine hopes to achieve this goal through diplomacy. Right now, all sides are seeking a compromise, and while we do not yet know what it will look like, Ukraine remains committed to defending its future.

What do you think is President Putin’s ultimate goal – land grab or regime change in Kyiv?

Putin’s ultimate goal goes beyond just a land grab—he seeks to reshape global borders, establish spheres of influence, and erase Ukraine’s independence.

His ambition is to create a situation when great powers dictate terms over smaller nations. He does not want a fair resolution to the war—he wants to dismantle Ukraine’s sovereignty and eliminate its freedom. A new colony for his empire. This isn’t just rhetoric; it is the foundation of Russia’s strategy.

Russia’s logic is clear: seize as much territory as possible to gain leverage in future negotiations. If not stopped, Putin’s aggression will not end with Ukraine.

President Zelenskyy has suggested swapping occupied Russian territory with Ukraine, a suggestion which Russia rejected outright. Will it be part of any peace deal going forward?

The Kursk operation, when Ukraine took the war to the aggressor’s territory, was a necessary defensive measure to protect Ukrainian cities like Sumy and Kharkiv from Russian offensives. By creating a buffer zone, Ukraine disrupted Russia’s plans for a large-scale attack, forcing Moscow to divert its troops from other directions and exposing its vulnerabilities. The operation has also strengthened Ukraine’s diplomatic position, proving that Putin’s forces struggle under real pressure.

The military commandant’s office has been established in Kursk region to maintain law and order and ensure the priority needs of the population. Defense Forces of Ukraine strictly adhere to the laws and customs of war, as well as International humanitarian law. In contrast, Russia has continued its scorched-earth tactics, even bombing its own settlements—most horrifically, an orphanage in Sudzha, Kursk region, where civilians were killed and wounded.

Importantly, the operation also allowed Ukraine to increase its prisoners of war exchange fund, leading to the return of many captured Ukrainian soldiers. The negotiation process has not been launched yet, and it is too early to talk about any decisions.

Do you think your country has any leverage in this war right now? What could that be? Can Europe alone with the support of the U.S. help you overcome Russia?

Ukraine has significant leverage in this war, and our position remains strong. Despite Russia’s larger resources, Ukraine has demonstrated tactical superiority, innovation, and resilience, forcing the Kremlin into defensive positions on multiple fronts. The Kursk operation has proven that Russia struggles when faced with real pressure, weakening its offensive capabilities. Additionally, Ukraine’s long-range drone and missile capabilities are expanding, allowing us to strike Russian military infrastructure deep behind enemy lines.

Ukraine’s growing defense industry is another key advantage. Domestic weapons production has increased sharply. This industrial capacity strengthens our position both on the battlefield and in negotiations.

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Why Ukraine won’t stop fighting – Ambassador Ivan Kholostenko

Along with that, Europe remains Ukraine`s crucial partner, ensuring not only military, but also economic and humanitarian support.  In fact, today not only Europe, but every country that wants lasting peace is an ally of Ukraine. The support of our country, the political and economic isolation of the aggressor, and sanctions are the steps that will help establish peace. Ukraine relies on all its allies, and we are confident that together we have enough leverage to ensure peace and order.

Kyiv’s army is reportedly losing ground to better-resourced Russian forces at strategic points along the sprawling front line according to a recent AFP report. If that is true, what is the implication for the morale of your troops on the warfront?

Russia has significant resource advantages, including a larger military budget and a continuous flow of manpower, often from prisons and forced conscription. However, Ukrainian forces have repeatedly proven their ability to adapt, innovate, and resist against the odds.

While localized setbacks are a reality in war, Ukraine’s overall strategy remains intact. This is not a war that will be won or lost based on short-term shifts in the front line. Instead, it is about long-term endurance, technological advancement, and coalition support. With stronger air defenses, continued Western aid, and Ukraine’s own growing military production, our forces will continue to fight effectively and reclaim what belongs to us.

Russia may have numbers, but Ukraine has something far more powerful: determination, strategy, and the world’s support.

Your European backers are terrified that Trump could force Ukraine into a bad peace deal. Does that worry you too?

Ukraine wants peace more than anyone else in the world. And we want peace as soon as possible. But the peace must be fair and just.

At the same time, appeasing Putin with unilateral concessions will not work. It has been proven many times that this tactic is ineffective.

It was Russia that attacked Ukraine. Russia is responsible for the aggression and its consequences and is obliged to withdraw its troops from the territory of Ukraine – this fact was supported by more than 140 countries during the voting for the relevant UN resolutions.

Russia has neither the legitimate right to the territory of Ukraine, nor the right to veto Ukraine’s choice of ways to guarantee its own security.