«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 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 does Ukraine’s current military strategy align with its long-term goals for sovereignty and territorial integrity?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak: Analyzing Ukraine’s Stance and Prospects Amid Ongoing Conflict**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to President Zelensky of Ukraine. There has been considerable discussion around the notion of a ceasefire and potential concessions. What are your thoughts on that?
**Podolyak**: Thank you for having me. The idea that Ukraine should concede any territory or sovereignty in exchange for peace is fundamentally flawed. Putin’s goals are not negotiable; they are centered on the destruction of Ukraine and the desire for dominance in Europe. It’s irrational to assume he would accept any deal that doesn’t align with those objectives.
**Editor**: You mentioned the importance of maintaining sovereignty. Can you elaborate on why you believe Ukraine should continue to resist rather than negotiate?
**Podolyak**: Absolutely. Ukraine has been under attack for three years and has fought valiantly for its independence. To suggest we should give up now is simply unacceptable.Throughout this conflict, the conversation around what Russia should concede has been notably absent.
**Editor**: You pointed out the pragmatic approach Ukraine is taking. What do you envision as a more balanced negotiation strategy?
**Podolyak**: Our strategy involves leveraging what Ukraine can offer, such as military expertise and valuable natural resources like lithium and titanium. We are ready to support American military contingents in Europe. The focus should be on forcing Russia to accept just and appropriate conditions rather than making unilateral concessions.
**Editor**: This is a significant stance. How do you think this approach will be received by Western leaders, especially amidst speculation about Donald Trump’s involvement?
**Podolyak**: We believe that Western leaders understand the stakes involved. Ukraine’s position is not only about military support but also about asserting our right to defend our sovereignty. It’s a matter of pragmatism and a clear message to those who might entertain any suggestions of compromise: Ukraine will not be a pawn in someone else’s game.
**Editor**: Thank you, Mykhailo Podolyak, for sharing your insights with us. Your clarity and commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty resonate strongly in these challenging times.
**Podolyak**: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to communicate our position clearly to the world.