«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 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’m 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 Mykhailo Podolyak’s views on the necessary conditions for a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mykhailo. You recently expressed your views on Donald Trump’s political ambitions and the situation concerning Ukraine. Could you elaborate on your perspective about the ongoing conflict and your concerns regarding any potential negotiations?
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. My main concern is that discussions about negotiations often suggest that Ukraine should concede territories to Russia, simply to achieve a ceasefire. This overlooks the fundamental issue: Russia’s goal is to destroy Ukraine and assert its dominance in Europe. Why should Ukraine, the attacked country, be the one to make concessions?
**Editor:** That’s an important point. You mentioned that you don’t believe any concessions should be made by Ukraine. What do you think Russia should be required to give up in this discussion?
**Podolyak:** Exactly. There seems to be a lack of discussion about what Russia should concede. It feels strange to me that much of the focus is on Ukraine’s compromises. We’re open to pragmatism in negotiations, but we must also hold Russia accountable for its aggression.
**Editor:** You also suggested that Ukraine could assist the US in various capacities, including military support. Can you explain this further?
**Podolyak:** Absolutely. We’ve developed significant military expertise over these three years of conflict, and we can offer valuable support, including a potential partial replacement of American contingents in Europe. Moreover, Ukraine is rich in resources like lithium and titanium, which could benefit American interests. The right approach would compel Russia to meet appropriate conditions instead of negotiating from a position of weakness.
**Editor:** Many are curious about your views on a potential ceasefire. What do you see as the necessary conditions for such an agreement?
**Podolyak:** Ceasefires should only happen when there is a just outcome for Ukraine. We must ensure that any agreement does not lead us to abandon our sovereignty. A cessation of hostilities should not come at the price of Ukrainian territory or rights.
**Editor:** how do you perceive the role of international leaders in this conflict, especially considering relationships with figures like Donald Trump?
**Podolyak:** Leaders must recognize the stakes involved. While Trump may have his own ambitions, he must understand the implications of supporting Russian interests. Any alignment with Putin’s agenda not only undermines Ukraine but also poses a threat to broader European stability.
**Editor:** Thank you very much for your insights, Mykhailo. Your perspective is invaluable as this situation continues to evolve.
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep this dialogue open.