Words of Defiance Wartime Speeches by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba
By Bjorn Berge
For more than four and a half years – including the pivotal period from March 2020 to September 2024 – Dmytro Kuleba served as Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, becoming one of the most recognisable voices of a country at war. From Brussels and New York to Rabat, Lusaka, Beijing and New Delhi, Kuleba criss-crossed the globe to rally political, military and economic support for Ukraine, his dynamic presence shaping international understanding of the conflict.
Drawing on his wartime speeches and exclusive access to Kuleba himself, Words of Defiance offers a rare, authoritative account of how the Russia–Ukraine war has unfolded on the world stage. Among much else, it contains valuable insights into why the Kremlin chose invasion; how previous mistakes have come back to haunt Ukraine; and the hard-won lessons of how to counter Russian propaganda and disinformation. Just as importantly, it traces the complex, contested path toward a just and lasting peace.
A compelling blend of testimony, analysis and strategic acumen, this is both a vital record and an urgent intervention – ensuring the war remains in the global consciousness and that Ukraine’s sovereignty is at the heart of international debate.
Reviews
“Bjorn Berge masterfully illuminates and frames all the central questions of this war, from how we got here to what the next day should look like. Above all, however, this book is a cry for freedom and justice, a call to the international community not to turn a blind eye to what is happening in Ukraine and to take its share of responsibility. This is a powerful and necessary reminder that until we are all free, no one is truly free.”
Dora Bakoyannis, MP and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Greece
“Just as Ukraine shows the whole world that even the seemingly impossible is possible, Dmytro’s speeches provide an opportunity to better understand communication during wartime and how to convincingly convey a message to the wider world.”
Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of Latvia
“A book like this is very much needed in light of the maelstrom of Russian propaganda, blatant lies and deception that has spread everywhere in Europe and elsewhere today.”
Radosław Sikorski, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Poland
“Dmytro Kuleba has earned a global reputation as one of the most cogent and passionate advocates of Ukrainian freedom. When his country has finally secured its future – as an independent European democracy protected against further Russian aggression – Kuleba’s diplomacy has secured his place in the great pantheon of Ukrainian heroes.”
Boris Johnson
“In the most difficult of times, the ideas and actions, and courage and foresight, of particular individuals can make a difference. Dmytro Kuleba is one such individual.”
Philippe Sands KC
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- Hardback, 352 pages
- ISBN: 9781837360529
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31 March 2026
Available to pre-order - £25.00
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- ISBN: 9781837360574
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31 March 2026
Available to pre-order - £20.00