«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
What are the potential consequences of Ukraine conceding territory in the ongoing conflict with Russia, according to Mr. Podolyak?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to Ukrainian President Zelensky**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Podolyak. You have expressed strong views about recent discussions surrounding Ukraine’s potential concessions. Can you elaborate on why you believe Ukraine should not concede anything to Russia?
**Podolyak:** Thank you for having me. The essence of my argument is that Ukraine has been under attack for three years now, and to suggest that we should concede anything in exchange for a ceasefire would undermine our sovereignty. Russia’s ultimate aim is the destruction of Ukraine and domination in Europe. Thus, negotiating from a position of weakness would only empower Putin further.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the discussions around Ukraine potentially granting concessions in exchange for NATO membership. What are your thoughts on this?
**Podolyak:** The narrative suggesting that Ukraine must give up territory or sovereignty to gain NATO membership is misguided. It seems to assume that we should yield for peace, while overlooking what Russia stands to gain. We must instead be focusing on what Russia should be compelled to concede.
**Interviewer:** You also suggested that Ukraine could offer military support. Can you explain how this could play a role?
**Podolyak:** Absolutely. We have developed significant military capabilities over the past three years and could assist in replacing American contingents in Europe. This would not only strengthen our defense but also demonstrate our commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
**Interviewer:** You highlighted the potential for economic cooperation with the United States, particularly regarding mineral resources. What could this look like in practice?
**Podolyak:** Ukraine is rich in strategic minerals like lithium and titanium. By fostering joint ventures and investment with the U.S., we can create a stronger economic partnership that benefits both nations. Rather than just negotiating terms, we could build a framework where both sides gain without sacrificing core principles.
**Interviewer:** what message do you wish to convey regarding the ongoing conflict and the way forward for Ukraine?
**Podolyak:** The key takeaway is that we must approach these discussions with pragmatism. Rather than asking for concessions, we should be positioning ourselves to compel Russia to accept appropriate conditions. We are standing firm in our resistance, and the international community should support this stance, ensuring that Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence are respected. Thank you.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Podolyak. Your insights are invaluable as the situation evolves.