«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 can Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity in negotiations with Russia?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak: Advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy**
**Editor:** Welcome, Mykhailo Podolyak. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent statements made by former President Donald Trump regarding U.S. aid to Ukraine. What are your thoughts on Trump’s comments about potentially cutting aid if he is reelected?
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. Trump’s remarks are concerning, to say the least. His characterization of President Zelenskyy as “the greatest salesman of all time” reflects a misunderstanding of the essential support Ukraine needs in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. This isn’t about selling a product; this is about survival and sovereignty.
**Editor:** You mentioned sovereignty. Can you elaborate on the idea that Ukraine should not concede to Russia in the negotiations?
**Podolyak:** Absolutely. Ukraine has been fighting for its territorial integrity for three years now. The notion that we should concede occupied territories or stop resisting is not only unacceptable but dangerous. What isn’t discussed enough is what concessions Russia should make as well. Why are we only focusing on what Ukraine must give up?
**Editor:** That’s a valid point. In light of Trump’s comments, how do you think Ukraine can approach future negotiations, especially if the U.S. support were to wane?
**Podolyak:** We bring pragmatism and military expertise to the negotiating table, which can provide support not only to ourselves but also to U.S. interests. Additionally, Ukraine is rich in rare minerals like lithium and titanium, which could be mutually beneficial to America. The strategy shouldn’t focus on capitulation but rather on making Russia adhere to appropriate conditions for peace.
**Editor:** You seem optimistic about Ukraine’s negotiating position. How do you gauge Russia’s willingness to accept such terms?
**Podolyak:** Russia’s main goal is to destabilize Ukraine and exert dominance in Europe. I believe the key is to ensure that they are forced to accept fair terms, rather than merely being asked. A strong and united front can push for real change.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mykhailo Podolyak, for your insights. It’s clear that the situation in Ukraine remains complex, and the future of international support is uncertain. We appreciate you sharing your perspectives with us.
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. Let’s keep the dialogue open as it is crucial for Ukraine and for global stability.