«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 envision Ukraine’s role in supporting NATO in the future?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Podolyak. With Donald Trump’s potential return to presidency, many Ukrainians are concerned about the implications for the ongoing war with Russia. What are your thoughts on a possible negotiation strategy that involves territorial concessions in exchange for peace?
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to understand that the notion of Ukraine giving up land to Russia in exchange for peace is deeply unpopular and fundamentally flawed. We cannot negotiate from a position of weakness; Russia’s ambitions are clear—they aim for the destruction of Ukraine and dominance in Europe. Why would they accept a deal if our territory is part of it?
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that these ideas come from suggestions made by Vladimir Putin. Can you elaborate on that?
**Podolyak:** Certainly. The proposals being discussed often reflect Putin’s desires rather than a balanced negotiation. Any deal that requires Ukraine to concede its sovereignty only serves to validate Russia’s aggression. It’s essential to remember that we have been defending our land for three years. The narrative that Ukraine needs to make concessions is misleading. We should instead discuss what Russia must give up.
**Interviewer:** If not concessions, what do you believe should be the approach to negotiations?
**Podolyak:** We need a rational approach that puts pressure on Russia to accept appropriate conditions. Instead of simply asking for peace, we should oblige them to negotiate on our terms. For instance, Ukraine has developed significant military capabilities and can also offer strategic resources like lithium and titanium. This could create a mutually beneficial power balance rather than one of capitulation.
**Interviewer:** Are you suggesting that Ukraine could support NATO efforts in Europe if the situation evolves positively?
**Podolyak:** Exactly. We’re prepared to be a strong partner. We could offer to partially replace American contingents in various regions, thereby strengthening our cooperative defense strategies. Let’s bring pragmatism to the table and focus on building a formula that emphasizes security and respect for sovereignty.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Podolyak, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the situation remains complex, but how do you see the future evolving?
**Podolyak:** The future hinges on our resolve to maintain sovereignty and the support of our international allies. Ukraine will stand firm against aggression and seek a dignified peace that acknowledges our rights. It’s a challenging path, but one we are committed to navigating. Thank you.
