«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 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 strategies does Ukraine believe would be more effective for a potential U.S. administration in supporting its sovereignty during the ongoing conflict?
**Interview Segment: Understanding Ukraine’s Perspective on Trump’s Possible Presidency**
**Interviewer:** Today, we’re joined by Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, to discuss the implications of a potential Donald Trump presidency on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Mykhailo, thank you for being here.
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** In light of some recent discussions about potential negotiations that could involve Ukraine conceding land to Russia, what are your thoughts?
**Podolyak:** Well, the narrative that Ukraine should give up territory in exchange for peace is fundamentally flawed. Any proposal that suggests Ukraine must concede is often based on the misconceptions about the nature of the conflict. For instance, if Trump were to adopt such a stance, it would align with narratives promoted by Vladimir Putin.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that conceding territory would not be in Ukraine’s interest. Can you elaborate on your position regarding Russia’s long-term goals?
**Podolyak:** Absolutely. Putin’s objectives extend beyond the immediate conflict; they involve the destruction of Ukraine and the broader domination of Europe. This means that any deal that assumes he would be satisfied with merely occupying certain territories is misguided. The fundamental issue is not about what Ukraine concedes, but what Russia is willing to give up.
**Interviewer:** So, what would be a better approach for a potential U.S. administration regarding this conflict?
**Podolyak:** Rather than asking Ukraine to make concessions, the focus should be on holding Russia accountable. Ukraine has built extensive military capabilities and can offer alternatives, such as supporting U.S. military presence in Europe and leveraging our rich natural resources, like lithium and titanium, for collaboration. The negotiations must aim at compelling Russia to accept terms that are just and recognize Ukraine’s sovereignty.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like you’re advocating for a more assertive stance against Russia. How do you think the Biden administration has approached this in comparison to what you anticipate from a Trump administration?
**Podolyak:** The current administration has generally shown more support and understanding of Ukraine’s position. A Trump administration might create uncertainty, especially with voices suggesting compromises that would undermine our sovereignty. It’s crucial for the international community to convey a clear message that Ukraine will not back down in the face of aggression and that any negotiations must be grounded in security and respect for our territory.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mykhailo, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. It’s crucial to understand the complexities of these negotiations as they unfold.
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue to speak out for the rights and sovereignty of Ukraine.
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This interview aims to shed light on Ukraine’s perspective amidst the discussions surrounding a possible Trump presidency and the ongoing war with Russia.
