«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 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
– How does Podolyak suggest Ukraine should position itself in negotiations to ensure its sovereignty is not compromised?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Podolyak. As we recently learned from a NATO official, there are concerns regarding any peace deal that may emerge post-election under President-elect Donald Trump, particularly concerning Russia’s standing in Ukraine. What are your thoughts on this situation?
**Podolyak**: Thank you for having me. The notion that a peace deal could inadvertently grant Vladimir Putin some form of victory over Ukraine is deeply concerning. This is not just about politics; it’s about sovereignty, the lives of innocent people, and the future of our nation. Putin’s ultimate goal remains the destruction of Ukraine and domination in Europe. Any deal that allows him to claim success would be disastrous.
**Editor**: You mentioned that there seems to be an expectation for Ukraine to concede something in potential negotiations. Can you elaborate on that?
**Podolyak**: Absolutely. There’s a troubling narrative suggesting that Ukraine must give up territory or sovereignty for peace. This is fundamentally unjust. We’ve been fighting for three years; should we now just relinquish our hard-won rights? The focus should not solely be on what Ukraine can concede, but rather on what Russia must pay or give up to acknowledge their aggression.
**Editor**: What would you consider a rational approach to these negotiations, especially with the new U.S. administration on the horizon?
**Podolyak**: The rational approach is to obligate Russia to accept conditions that uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty. We are ready to bring pragmatism to the negotiating table. Ukraine has developed considerable military expertise and could even assist in replacing American contingents in various regions, including Europe. We also possess valuable resources, such as lithium and titanium, that hold mutual benefits. It’s time for clear dialogue that demands accountability from Russia rather than concessions from Ukraine.
**Editor**: Some are suggesting that appeasement might ease tensions. Why do you believe this is the wrong path?
**Podolyak**: History has shown that appeasement often leads to greater conflicts down the line. Allowing Russia to dictate terms would only embolden their aggression, not just towards Ukraine but across Europe. It’s essential that the international community recognizes the need to hold aggressors accountable, rather than rewarding them for their actions.
**Editor**: Thank you, Mr. Podolyak, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. Your perspective on the implications of potential negotiations is invaluable as we observe the evolving geopolitical landscape.
**Podolyak**: Thank you for having me. We must remain vigilant and steadfast in our pursuit of a just and lasting peace.
