«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
What are Mykhailo Podolyak’s views on the impact of conceding territory in the Ukraine conflict?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Podolyak. You’ve recently expressed some strong views on the ongoing conflict with Russia and the potential for negotiations involving the United States. Can you elaborate on your concerns regarding the proposals that suggest Ukraine should concede territory?
**Podolyak:** Absolutely. The narrative that Ukraine should concede anything in exchange for a ceasefire is fundamentally flawed. Our war is about sovereignty and survival. Any suggestion that Ukraine should yield territory plays directly into Putin’s strategy of dominance, which aims to dismantle our nation and assert control over Europe.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned that Putin’s goals extend beyond Ukraine. What do you believe are the implications for European security if those goals are achieved?
**Podolyak:** If we allow Putin to succeed in Ukraine, it sends a dangerous message to all nations: aggression can lead to territorial gain. This would embolden him to pursue further ambitions in Europe. The defense of Ukraine is inherently linked to the defense of European values and security.
**Editor:** In discussions around negotiations, you advocate for a tough stance. Can you explain what that would look like, especially in terms of what Ukraine could offer the U.S.?
**Podolyak:** We need to approach negotiations from a position of strength. Ukraine has developed significant military expertise over the past three years. We can collaborate with the U.S. by offering to partially replace American contingents in Europe and providing access to our rich deposits of rare minerals, such as lithium and titanium, which are crucial for advanced technologies.
**Editor:** How do you respond to the narrative that a ceasefire might be beneficial for de-escalating the situation?
**Podolyak:** A ceasefire under current conditions would likely be a tactical pause for Russia to regroup and strengthen its position. We cannot talk about peace when one party is actively pursuing an agenda of annihilation. The solution lies not in concessions but in compelling Russia to accept terms that ensure lasting security for Ukraine and the region.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Podolyak, for sharing your insights. Your perspective highlights the complexities and stakes involved in the ongoing conflict.
