Ukraine to set up ‘unfriendly states’ unit in Foreign Ministry overhaul

Ukraine will establish a dedicated 'unfriendly countries' department as part of a major Foreign Ministry overhaul, aiming to strengthen wartime diplomacy and accelerate NATO integration.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced a sweeping reform of the Foreign Ministry, including the launch of a new department focused on 'unfriendly countries' such as Russia, Belarus, and North Korea.

The unit will operate under the First Deputy Minister and is designed to counter states supporting Russia’s aggression.

The changes reflect Ukraine’s wartime priorities and global diplomatic trends. A separate NATO Department will now handle integration efforts, previously combined with EU affairs. 

Ukraine plans to enhance training by expanding the Diplomatic Academy and creating a department for global Ukrainian engagement. The reforms include a dedicated sector for artificial intelligence in diplomacy.

“These decisions are necessary during wartime and aim to ensure effective, focused diplomacy aligned with global standards,” Sybiha said.

President Zelenskyy had earlier emphasized diplomatic reform as a national priority.

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