«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
### Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to Ukrainian President Zelensky
### Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to Ukrainian President Zelensky
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Podolyak. In your recent conversation with Repubblica, you expressed strong opinions regarding the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Could you elaborate on your thoughts concerning Donald Trump’s political aspirations?
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. Donald Trump is undeniably a politician with ambitions to be number one. Current discussions around him allegedly proposing concessions to Russia are deeply troubling. These appear to be influenced by Vladimir Putin, and if Trump were to take them seriously, he risks placing himself in a position of subservience.
**Editor:** You spoke about the idea of accepting a ceasefire in exchange for Ukraine conceding occupied territories. Can you share your perspective on this?
**Podolyak:** Certainly. This notion that Ukraine must concede something in exchange for peace is fundamentally flawed. Putin’s intentions revolve around the destruction of Ukraine and the expansion of his control over Europe. Why should Ukraine, a nation under attack, give up its sovereignty?
**Editor:** You mentioned the need for a pragmatic approach to negotiations. What does that entail for Ukraine?
**Podolyak:** Pragmatism means bringing realistic solutions to the table. For the past three years, we have fought hard to protect our land and our people. Rather than asking what Ukraine can concede, we should be discussing what Russia needs to surrender. We have developed military capabilities and can even offer support to U.S. forces in various regions, primarily in Europe. Additionally, Ukraine is rich in essential minerals that could be advantageous for cooperation.
**Editor:** It’s clear that you emphasize a shift in the narrative surrounding negotiations. How do you propose the international community should react to this proposal?
**Podolyak:** We need to encourage the international community to adopt a stance where they do not merely negotiate but also insist that Russia accepts firm conditions based on justice and international law. It’s time to stop accommodating aggressors and start demanding accountability.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Podolyak, for sharing your insightful views on these critical issues. We appreciate your time today.
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue this important conversation.
