«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 deal is being made 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 country under attack 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 am 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 believe Ukraine can strengthen its military capabilities in future dealings with foreign leaders?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky**
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Podolyak, for joining us today. There has been recent talk about a U.S.-backed peace plan for Ukraine involving potential concessions to Russia. What’s your take on these discussions?
**Mykhailo Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential to clarify that any suggestions involving Ukraine conceding territory to Russia essentially play into Vladimir Putin’s strategy. The notion that we should negotiate from a position of weakness risks undermining our sovereignty.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that accepting a ceasefire in exchange for territory is unrealistic. Can you elaborate on why you believe this would not work?
**Mykhailo Podolyak:** Absolutely. It’s vital to understand Putin’s goals: he aims to destroy Ukraine and extend his influence in Europe. Why would he ever agree to a deal that doesn’t meet his ambitions? The historical context shows that concessions only empower aggressors. We must stand firm in defending our nation.
**Interviewer:** Some argue that negotiations could pave the way for peace. What do you think Ukraine should do instead?
**Mykhailo Podolyak:** We should not be the ones making concessions while under attack. For three long years, we have fought to maintain our sovereignty, and it’s unreasonable to expect us to give that up. Instead, we need to push for pragmatic solutions that hold Russia accountable. It’s time for them to face consequences for their aggression.
**Interviewer:** There have been discussions regarding Ukraine’s military capabilities and resources. How do you see this playing into future negotiations with the U.S.?
**Mykhailo Podolyak:** We have developed significant military capabilities and can play a more strategic role in regional security. Additionally, our natural resources, such as lithium and titanium, present valuable opportunities for cooperation. We propose to contribute to global security while ensuring that Russia is compelled to accept fair terms.
**Interviewer:** What would you hope to see from foreign leaders like Donald Trump regarding support for Ukraine?
**Mykhailo Podolyak:** Any foreign leader, including Trump, should recognize the importance of supporting a sovereign nation’s right to self-defense. We’re not asking for charity but rather for solidarity and strategic partnerships that deter further aggression from Russia.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Podolyak, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the situation is complex, and the stakes are incredibly high for Ukraine.
**Mykhailo Podolyak:** Thank you for focusing on these critical issues. Ukraine stands united in its defense, and we appreciate the global support for our sovereignty.
