Words of Defiance
Wartime Speeches by Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba
Published on 31. March 2026
Book
Hardback
352 pages
978-1-83736-052-9 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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 / Votes
"In the mostdifficult 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
"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
Rinkevics, 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." Radoslaw
Sikorski, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Poland
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 241 mm
Width: 162 mm
Thickness: 29 mm
Weight
428 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83736-052-9 (9781837360529)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
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E-Book
03/2026
BITEBACK PUBLISHING
€17.99
Available for download
Person
Bjorn Berge
serves as the Council of Europe's deputy secretary general, where his
priorities include ensuring that the organisation's activities have maximum
impact in advancing democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Previously, he
was director general and secretary to the Committee of Ministers of the Council
of Europe.
As a Norwegian diplomat, he served as international adviser to the
Prime Minister and as deputy director of the Foreign Minister's Cabinet. He
also acted as speechwriter to three Norwegian Foreign Ministers.
He was a
Fulbright Scholar and holds an MA in international relations from the Paul
Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University.
serves as the Council of Europe's deputy secretary general, where his
priorities include ensuring that the organisation's activities have maximum
impact in advancing democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Previously, he
was director general and secretary to the Committee of Ministers of the Council
of Europe.
As a Norwegian diplomat, he served as international adviser to the
Prime Minister and as deputy director of the Foreign Minister's Cabinet. He
also acted as speechwriter to three Norwegian Foreign Ministers.
He was a
Fulbright Scholar and holds an MA in international relations from the Paul
Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University.