«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 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 the key obstacles Ukraine faces in convincing international allies to shift the narrative around concessions in ceasefire negotiations with Russia?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak: Ukrainian Advisor on Ceasefire Negotiations**
**Editor**: We are joined today by Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Mr. Podolyak, thank you for joining us. You recently made some potent remarks regarding potential negotiations with Russia. What stands out to you about the discussions surrounding a ceasefire?
**Podolyak**: Thank you for having me. The current talks about a ceasefire often presume that Ukraine should concede something. That’s a flawed assumption. Ultimately, Vladimir Putin’s objectives revolve around the destruction of Ukraine and a desire to dominate Europe. Why should we be the ones making concessions while he aims to expand his influence?
**Editor**: You mentioned that the narrative seems to place the burden of concessions on Ukraine. How do you believe this perspective could change?
**Podolyak**: It’s critical to shift the focus onto what Russia must give or pay in these discussions. It is rather strange that, while we discuss Ukrainian concessions, the same level of scrutiny isn’t applied to Russia’s actions. Our resistance has been unwavering for three years; we should not be expected to surrender our sovereignty.
**Editor**: You also referenced Ukraine’s military capabilities and resources, including rare minerals. Can you elaborate on how these factors could influence negotiations?
**Podolyak**: Certainly. Ukraine has developed significant military expertise and can offer the U.S. options that would help replace their contingents in Europe. Moreover, we possess valuable resources, such as lithium and titanium, which could be utilized in cooperation with American interests. Our approach is about pragmatism; we should compel Russia to accept reasonable terms rather than simply asking or negotiating.
**Editor**: Given your emphasis on practicality, what do you think the appropriate strategy is for Ukraine going forward?
**Podolyak**: The rational course of action is to assume a position of strength and make it clear to Russia that the continuation of its aggression is unconscionable. We must focus on forcing them to adhere to appropriate conditions. This is not just about negotiations; it’s about enforcing peace in a way that respects our sovereignty and security.
**Editor**: Thank you, Mr. Podolyak, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the path forward for Ukraine is complex, yet your perspective sheds light on the determination and resources at its disposal.
**Podolyak**: Thank you for the opportunity to express Ukraine’s stance. It’s crucial that we continue to advocate for our rights and push for conditions that ensure long-lasting peace in the region.
