«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
What are the key factors that should determine the terms of future negotiations between Ukraine and Russia?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak**
**Position:** Advisor to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky
**Date:** November 11, 2024
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Podolyak. With recent comments from a NATO official warning against any peace deal that enables President Putin to claim victory in Ukraine, what is your stance on potential negotiations ahead of President-elect Trump’s administration?
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to understand that any negotiations must not come at the cost of Ukraine’s sovereignty or territorial integrity. The idea of granting concessions to Russia under the guise of peace is fundamentally flawed. We should not be expected to concede anything, especially after three long years of fighting.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the notion that Ukraine should not be the one making concessions. Can you elaborate on that?
**Podolyak:** Absolutely. Russia’s primary goal has been the destruction of Ukraine and the assertion of its dominance over Europe. So the narrative that Ukraine must give something up in negotiations is based on a misunderstanding of the situation. It is somewhat puzzling that there is so much discussion about what Ukraine should concede, while we hear little about the penalties or concessions expected from Russia.
**Interviewer:** In your opinion, what should dictate the terms of any future negotiation?
**Podolyak:** A pragmatic approach is essential. We have developed military capabilities and expertise that can be advantageous to U.S. interests in Europe. Moreover, Ukraine possesses valuable mineral resources like lithium and titanium, which can be leveraged in our partnerships. Negotiations should focus on compelling Russia to accept appropriate conditions rather than bending over backward to appease them. The approach should be about obligation rather than negotiation.
**Interviewer:** How do you view the potential role of President-elect Trump in these negotiations?
**Podolyak:** Trump as a politician seeks to maintain a dominant position, and allowing Putin to claim victory would undermine that. If he were to concede anything to Putin, it would signify a loss of power for himself. I believe he understands this dynamic, and if he is strategic, he will seek a resolution that also benefits Ukraine and upholds international law.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Podolyak, for sharing your insights. It is evident that Ukraine remains resolute in its defense and commitment to sovereignty.
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. We will continue our resistance and pursue a solution that ensures Ukraine’s survival and integrity.
