As war enters fifth year, Ukraine asks Thailand to stand with Kyiv

Five years after Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the conflict persists with no clear resolution. Ongoing drone and missile assaults persist, while Ukraine braced for another winter fraught with concerns over energy infrastructure and public safety. During an early September 2026 visit to Kyiv, a Khaosod reporter encountered senior Ukrainian Foreign Ministry officials amidst the ongoing war.

The delegation met Mariana Betsa, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Zhanna Leshchynska, Director-General of the Department of Asia and Pacific, and Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesperson of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their discussions covered more than just battlefield conditions, delving into civilian attacks, air defense systems, the impending winter, sanctions against Russia, peace negotiations, accountability, and the involvement of ASEAN and China.

Mariana Betsa, the Deputy Foreign Minister, emphasized the grave situation, stating that Russia has escalated its attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure as it struggles to gain ground. These attacks, she explained, aim to instill fear and chaos among the populace. Despite the relentless daily assaults, Ukraine remains steadfast, determined to safeguard its independence and territorial integrity.

Betsa stressed that Ukraine's fight is not solely for its own survival but to protect essential values—democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms—against Russian aggression. The most pressing need for Ukraine at this juncture is the procurement of air defense systems to counter the escalating attacks. The Deputy Foreign Minister highlighted Ukraine's reliance on these systems as Russia increasingly employs a mix of drones, various missile trajectories, and ballistic missiles.

Additionally, Ukraine's naval forces have faced threats in the Black Sea, with over 50 vessels attacked and more than 30 sailors losing their lives. The war's impact extends beyond Europe, with implications for the Indo-Pacific region, as Ukraine's struggle has drawn support from Iran and North Korea. When queried about what Ukraine seeks from the international community, Betsa outlined four crucial demands.

First and foremost is military support, specifically air defense systems. Second is political pressure on Russia to cease the conflict, with a ceasefire being the first prerequisite for substantive negotiations.