«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 the implications of Donald Trump’s negotiation strategies regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Podolyak. You recently expressed strong views regarding the peace talks related to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Can you elaborate on your thoughts about Donald Trump’s potential negotiation strategies?
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. Indeed, Trump is a politician who aims for dominance in his dealings. The suggestions floating around, particularly those favorable to Russia, seem to stem from Kremlin influences. If Trump were to truly confront Putin, he risks losing his own strongman image in international politics, becoming essentially subordinate in that context.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the idea of a ceasefire in exchange for concessions. Why do you believe this is a one-sided narrative?
**Podolyak:** Because it paints Ukraine as the entity that must give something up. The narrative assumes we should capitulate to Kremlin demands while ignoring Putin’s ultimate goal: the destruction of Ukraine and the establishment of Russian dominance over Europe. Why would Ukraine, having endured years of aggression, now surrender its territory and sovereignty?
**Interviewer:** It seems you are advocating for a different approach. What do you believe should be the focus of negotiations?
**Podolyak:** Absolutely. I think it is odd that discussions focus solely on what Ukraine should concede. We’ve been on the front lines for three years, defending our nation. Our perspective is rational; let’s also discuss what Russia must relinquish. We need to bring pragmatism to the negotiations and emphasize our strengths, like our military capabilities and rare mineral resources, which could enhance collaborative efforts with the West.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like a significant shift in the dialogue. How do you envision pressuring Russia to take a more reasonable stance?
**Podolyak:** The approach should not be about negotiating as equals under the current circumstances; it should be about imposing the right conditions for a deal. This can include highlighting our capabilities and what we can offer in terms of security and resources. We are not in a position where we should simply ask or negotiate; we need to be in a position to oblige—and compel Russia to align with global norms.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Podolyak, for providing insight into Ukraine’s resolve and approach in these challenging negotiations.
**Podolyak:** Thank you for the opportunity to articulate our stance.
