«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 the potential risks associated with a U.S.-backed peace plan that prioritizes peace over Ukraine’s territorial integrity?
### Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Podolyak. Recently there have been discussions about a potential U.S.-backed peace plan for Ukraine proposed by some Republican operatives, which seems to prioritize peace over territorial integrity. What is your take on this approach?
**Mykhailo Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. Frankly, I believe the proposals currently circulating reflect a misunderstanding of the situation. They imply that Ukraine should concede territory to Russia in exchange for peace, which is fundamentally misguided. Russia’s objective remains the complete dismantling of Ukrainian sovereignty.
**Interviewer:** Some might argue that accepting a ceasefire could provide an opportunity for Ukraine to regroup and strengthen its defenses. How do you respond to that?
**Podolyak:** Ceasefire at this point, especially under conditions that require concessions, is not a viable option for Ukraine. We’ve been resisting and fighting for our sovereignty for three years. Why should we stop that momentum or concede to make peace with an aggressor? The focus should be on what Russia must give up instead.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the need for a rational approach to negotiations. Can you elaborate on what that might look like?
**Podolyak:** Absolutely. Negotiations should not be about asking for concessions but rather about obliging Russia to respect international laws and norms. We have developed considerable military capabilities and strategic resources, such as rare minerals, which could indeed be of mutual benefit to ally nations, including the U.S. We are prepared to contribute pragmatically to global security efforts.
**Interviewer:** Trump’s transition team has distanced itself from the peace plan that was outlined. What implications do you think this has on U.S.-Ukraine relations?
**Podolyak:** The distancing suggests a lack of coherent strategy or understanding among some U.S. officials regarding Ukraine’s position and the implications of appeasement towards Russia. For effective cooperation, it’s essential that any approach respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Otherwise, it will result in disastrous consequences for Europe and beyond.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Podolyak, for sharing your insights on this critical issue.
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue to advocate for a strong stance against aggression and uphold the values of sovereignty and democracy.
