«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
What are Mykhailo Podolyak’s views on potential territorial concessions to Russia in peace negotiations?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Podolyak. Following Donald Trump’s recent meeting with President Zelensky at Trump Tower, what are your thoughts on his call to end the war in Ukraine?
**Mykhailo Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. I believe it’s important to clarify that while talks about ending the war are welcome, the notion of conceding territory to Russia in exchange for peace is fundamentally flawed. It ignores the reality that Putin’s objectives extend beyond Ukraine, aiming for domination in Europe.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the concessions being discussed. Can you elaborate on why you believe that Ukraine should not make any compromises?
**Mykhailo Podolyak:** Absolutely. For three years, Ukraine has been steadfastly defending its sovereignty. To suggest we should now yield ground is not just unthinkable, it’s dangerous. This narrative overlooks the aggressive nature of Russian ambitions. Why should Ukraine capitulate when Russia should be held accountable for its actions?
**Interviewer:** You referenced a pragmatic approach to negotiations. What specific measures do you believe should be taken to force Russia to accept reasonable terms?
**Mykhailo Podolyak:** Our focus should be on bringing military and economic leverage to the table. Ukraine has developed robust military capabilities and can provide strategic support to partners like the U.S. Additionally, we possess valuable resources such as lithium and titanium, which can be part of collaborative efforts. We need to shift the discussion from what Ukraine must concede to what Russia must face.
**Interviewer:** That’s a strong position. Given the complexity of international politics, how do you foresee the involvement of global powers, especially the U.S., evolving in this context?
**Mykhailo Podolyak:** I believe if the U.S. takes a rational and principled stand, it can substantially influence the outcome. Emphasizing the need for Russia to comply with international law and uphold peace agreements will be crucial. The world is watching, and it’s time to enforce a more balanced discussion around the responsibilities of aggressors.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Podolyak, for sharing your insights. It’s clear from our conversation that Ukraine remains firm in its dedication to sovereignty and justice.
**Mykhailo Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. Our resolve will not waver. Ukraine’s sovereignty and security must come first.
