«Donald Trump is a politician who aims to be number one. The alleged projects circulating at the moment are all based on granting something to Russia, but they are suggestions from Vladimir Putin. If Trump went after him, he would become number two. And I don’t think he can accept it.” Speaking to Repubblica is Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who underlines – regarding the acceptance of a ceasefire in exchange for the concession of the occupied territories to Russia and immediate entry into NATO – that «a great talk about this hypothesis because it is assumed that Ukraine must necessarily concede something. Putin’s goals are the destruction of Ukraine and domination in Europe, so why would he accept the deal?”
«I don’t think that the attacked country should make concessions and stop resisting – specifies Podolyak -. We have been fighting for three years and now we should give up our sovereignty? Unfortunately I don’t see the same discussion about what Russia should give or pay. It’s a bit strange, isn’t it? We bring pragmatism to the negotiating table. We have developed military skills and can offer Trump a partial replacement of American contingents in various regions, first of all in Europe. We also have deposits of rare minerals, such as lithium and titanium, that we can exploit together. The rational approach is to force Russia to accept appropriate conditions. Don’t ask or negotiate, but oblige.”
«The tools exist – continues the presidential advisor – and I’m not talking about the military ones but rather the control of the price of oil. The US has the means to transform the market and make it unfavorable to Russia. They can also issue economic sanctions that actually hit Moscow. In my opinion this will be Trump’s line, he is someone who can take drastic measures. If we also inflict blows on a military level, as is happening on a smaller scale, we will influence the Russian internal front. As for Kursk, we are solving the problems positively, eliminating the positions that launched attacks on Chenihiv and Sumy. The point is another, when we began the operation in the region, we expected to be authorized to use (Western, ed.) missiles and to have more weapons of this kind.” The Ukraine situation will be a tough nut to crack for future President Trump.
#Trump #concessions #Russia #Tempo
How does Mykhailo Podolyak see the role of international actors like Elon Musk in the Ukraine conflict?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Podolyak. Following the recent phone call involving Donald Trump and President Zelensky, what are your thoughts on the implications of Elon Musk’s presence on the call?
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. Musk’s involvement certainly adds a complex layer to the discourse. His influence in technology and communications could be pivotal in shaping perceptions and strategies surrounding the conflict. However, it’s crucial to remain focused on the substantive issues at hand, particularly regarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned sovereignty. Could you clarify your stance on the idea of Ukraine conceding territory in exchange for a ceasefire?
**Podolyak:** Absolutely. Conceding territory would not only undermine our sovereignty but also signal weakness. We cannot expect Ukraine to surrender to Putin’s demands without understanding that his ultimate goal is not peace but the total destruction and domination of Ukraine. Any suggestion that we should give up land is unacceptable, especially given the sacrifices our people have made.
**Interviewer:** Many discussions are taking place about what compromises might look like. What is Ukraine prepared to offer in negotiations?
**Podolyak:** It’s important to present a pragmatic approach. Rather than suggesting what Ukraine should concede, the conversation should focus on what Russia must offer to de-escalate this conflict. We’ve developed significant military capabilities and have resources, such as rare minerals, that could be beneficial for collaboration, particularly in terms of security in Europe.
**Interviewer:** So you believe that the negotiations should come from a position of strength?
**Podolyak:** Exactly. We want to engage in a dialogue where we not only defend our interests but also compel Russia to accept conditions that align with international law and the principle of sovereignty. Negotiation shouldn’t mean capitulation; it should mean finding a balanced approach that acknowledges Ukraine’s rights and security.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Podolyak. Your insights are invaluable, especially as the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve.
**Podolyak:** Thank you for the opportunity to share our perspective. We will continue to advocate for a principled, resolute stance in these discussions.
