The U.S.’s First Ambassador to Ukraine Has an Opinion

The United States’ First Ambassador to Ukraine, Roman Popadiuk, published an opinion piece in the Washington Times on May 16, 2025, titled “The U.S. needs a reset in the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations.”

This is a summary of Mr. Popadiuk’s article.

Mr. Popadiuk opens his article by suggesting that the first talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul give Washington a unique position to reset its approach to peace negotiations. Washington should learn from its early experience of negotiating with Russia that Russia has no interest in negotiating along the lines the Administration had hoped.

Russia wants to dominate Ukraine and sees the West as an adversary that needs to be replaced by a new order led by Russia and China. It is looking to control and dominate the European theatre. Russian success in Ukraine will only lead to more issues for the United States and Europe in the future, compromising American security.

The United States needs a different negotiation strategy. To start, it needs to be done behind closed doors. The United States needs to make Ukraine and Europe equal negotiating partners. It also cannot walk away from the negotiations. The United States, as the world’s economic and military leader, is required to keep Europe united and an effective partner in supporting Ukraine. Finally, the United States needs to use its military might, as Russia only understands raw power. Both the United States and Europe need to continue to support Ukraine with military armaments. Only when Russia sees that it can no longer afford to wage this war will Russia seek conflict resolution.

The United States must understand that Ukraine is fighting for its identity, territory, freedom, and the rule of law. While the minerals deal is a good start in supporting Ukraine, it will not bring peace without the United States continuing to support Ukraine through arms and other military support.

The United States’ leadership is imperative in this process. With it, true peace can be achieved. With peace, Ukraine can be an independent state, and the United States’ security interests can be safeguarded.