«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
How does Ukraine view the role of military collaboration with the U.S. in its resistance efforts?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak: Ukraine’s Stance on Diplomacy and Resistance**
**Editor:** Today, we have Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, joining us to discuss Ukraine’s position concerning recent negotiations and the evolving geopolitical landscape. Thank you for being here, Mr. Podolyak.
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** In your recent comments, you highlighted concerns about potential concessions that Ukraine might be pressured to make in negotiations with Russia. Can you elaborate on why you believe these discussions are misplaced?
**Podolyak:** Certainly. The idea that Ukraine should concede territory in exchange for a ceasefire assumes that it is somehow acceptable for an aggressor to have its demands met. Ukraine has been under attack for three years—why should we surrender our sovereignty? The focus should rather be on what Russia must concede, not what Ukraine should give up.
**Editor:** You mentioned that Putin’s goals extend beyond Ukraine. What do you see as the broader implications of concession-based negotiations?
**Podolyak:** Putin aims to dismantle Ukraine and assert dominance over Europe. If he succeeds in weakening Ukraine through negotiation, it emboldens him to pursue further aggression. It’s crucial for us to keep pressing back against this idea, as it only plays into Russia’s hands.
**Editor:** You proposed that Ukraine has developed military skills and resources that could be beneficial to the U.S. What does this collaborative approach look like?
**Podolyak:** Ukraine is ready to offer a strategic partnership. We can assist in partially replacing American military engagements in Europe, and we have substantial reserves of rare minerals like lithium and titanium. This collaborative effort could be a pragmatic approach that supports both parties’ interests without compromising our sovereignty.
**Editor:** what would you say to those advocating for a negotiation that involves giving up land to achieve peace?
**Podolyak:** I would argue that peace cannot be built on concessions that validate aggression. True peace must involve an obligation on Russia to recognize and restore Ukraine’s sovereignty. Negotiation should not be about asking for terms but compelling adherence to international law and respect for territorial integrity.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Podolyak, for sharing your insights with us today.
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me.
