«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 expertise 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 the potential concessions Ukraine should make in negotiations with Russia?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak: Advisor to Ukrainian President Zelensky**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Podolyak. Your recent comments regarding Donald Trump and Ukraine’s position in the ongoing conflict with Russia have sparked significant interest. Can you elaborate on your perspective regarding Trump’s alleged projects involving Russia?
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. My view is quite clear: Donald Trump is primarily focused on maintaining his position and power. The current narratives about potential compromises suggest that Ukraine might be pressured to grant concessions to Russia. However, this notion is fundamentally flawed; Russia’s ambitions are about destroying Ukraine and asserting dominance in Europe. Why should we concede anything when the stakes are our very sovereignty?
**Editor:** You mentioned that ongoing discussions often overlook what Russia should concede. What do you believe should be the conditions on the table for any negotiations?
**Podolyak:** Exactly. It’s concerning that the dialogue often centers around what Ukraine should give up, rather than what Russia should reciprocate. We have fought valiantly for three years, and the idea that we should abandon our sovereignty is unacceptable. Our focus should be on forcing Russia to meet specific conditions rather than giving in to their demands.
**Editor:** In your discussion, you suggested offering military expertise to replace American contingents in Europe. Can you explain how this partnership could be beneficial for both Ukraine and the United States?
**Podolyak:** Absolutely. Ukraine has developed substantial military capabilities and expertise during this conflict. By collaborating with the U.S., we can ensure a more robust defense posture in Europe. Additionally, Ukraine is rich in resources like lithium and titanium, which are crucial for various technological and military applications. This collaboration could foster a strategic partnership that benefits all parties involved.
**Editor:** Lastly, your statement emphasized a pragmatic approach to the negotiation table. What do you envision as the best path forward for achieving peace while maintaining Ukraine’s integrity?
**Podolyak:** Peace should never come at the expense of our integrity as a nation. We must approach negotiations with a clear understanding of our rights and needs. The best path forward is to approach Russia from a position of strength—insisting on the respect of international law and our borders. Instead of merely asking for peace, we must compel a halt to aggression through calculated diplomatic and military strategies.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Podolyak, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the situation remains complex, and your perspective adds significant depth to the discussion.
**Podolyak:** Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this important issue.
