«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 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 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 view the influence of American politics, particularly Donald Trump, on Ukraine-Russia negotiations?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to Ukrainian President Zelensky**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Podolyak. Recently, there have been discussions about potential ceasefire agreements involving Ukraine and Russia. You’ve mentioned that Ukraine should not concede any territory. Can you elaborate on why you believe concessions would not be beneficial for your country?
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. Our stance is clear: Ukraine has been under attack for three years. Why should we surrender our sovereignty or any part of our territory as part of a ceasefire agreement? This would not only undermine our fundamental rights but also embolden Russia in its aggressive aims. We must not assume that conceding might lead to peace; rather, it would likely lead to additional demands from Russia.
**Editor:** You also pointed to the implications for U.S. politics, mentioning Donald Trump’s ambitions. How do you see Trump’s position affecting negotiations, especially with suggestions that he might grant something to Russia?
**Podolyak:** Trump is a politician focused on being number one, and facing off against Putin would contradict that position for him. The discussions around concessions primarily stem from Russian suggestions. If he were to act against Putin’s proposals, he risks diminishing his own standing. However, our focus should be less on Trump and more on ensuring that Russia cannot dominate Ukraine and Europe.
**Editor:** You brought up the concept of a more rational approach to negotiations, emphasizing that Russia should face appropriate conditions. Can you share specific steps you believe could be taken to pressure Russia into accepting these conditions?
**Podolyak:** Absolutely. First, we should shift the narrative away from what Ukraine should give up and toward what Russia must concede. This includes acknowledging the losses it has caused and the international frameworks it has breached. Additionally, Ukraine has developed military capabilities and can offer strategic alternatives to the U.S. regarding military presence in Europe. We possess valuable resources, such as lithium and titanium deposits, which can be leveraged together. It’s essential that we approach negotiations from a position of strength rather than defensiveness.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Podolyak. It’s clear that Ukraine is committed to maintaining its sovereignty and is prepared to engage in pragmatic discussions moving forward.
**Podolyak:** Thank you. We appreciate the opportunity to clarify our position and to advocate for a comprehensive resolution to the conflict that respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
