«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 Ukraine’s key concerns regarding potential concessions in negotiations with Russia?
### Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Mykhailo. You’ve made some strong statements regarding Donald Trump and the ongoing situation with Russia. Can you elaborate on your concerns about the discussions surrounding potential concessions to Russia?
**Podolyak**: Certainly. It’s crucial to understand that any negotiations cannot come at the cost of Ukraine’s sovereignty. The current rhetoric suggesting that Ukraine should concede territories to ensure peace seems misguided. Putin’s aims are not merely territorial; he seeks the destruction of Ukraine and aims to extend his dominance across Europe. Why would we expect him to actually accept a deal?
**Editor**: You mentioned that you bring pragmatism to the negotiating table. Can you tell us more about what that entails?
**Podolyak**: We have been fighting for our freedom for three years now. It’s unreasonable to expect Ukraine to simply give in and stop resisting. Instead, we propose leveraging our military capabilities and strategic resources, such as rare minerals, as part of a comprehensive negotiation strategy. It’s about creating conditions that force Russia to accept appropriate terms, rather than simply making concessions.
**Editor**: You also hinted at providing military skills and even materials to the United States. How do you see this cooperation unfolding?
**Podolyak**: We are willing to assist with the replacement of American contingents in Europe with our own military forces. We have trained significantly and gained valuable experience in defense. By collaborating in this way, we can bolster the security of Europe as a whole while ensuring Ukraine’s interests are protected.
**Editor**: Many are calling for a ceasefire. What’s your stance on that?
**Podolyak**: A ceasefire is only meaningful if it does not come at the price of our sovereignty. We should not be the ones making concessions while discussions about what Russia should concede remain absent. This imbalance in discussions is problematic and demands further scrutiny.
**Editor**: Thank you for your insights, Mykhailo. It’s clear that Ukraine is weighing its options carefully in these turbulent times.
—
### Interview with Donald Trump (Hypothetical)
**Editor**: Mr. Trump, you’ve recently been in discussions about various geopolitical strategies. Can you share your perspective on the situation between Ukraine and Russia?
**Trump**: Absolutely. The situation is complicated, and my goal has always been to prioritize America’s interests while also seeking stability. Ukraine is a brave country, and I respect their fight. However, we need to ensure that our engagements don’t undermine our position or security.
**Editor**: Mykhailo Podolyak has suggested that there’s a misconception about who should be making concessions in this conflict. What’s your response to that?
**Trump**: Look, negotiations are tricky. Both sides need to come to the table with something. If Ukraine wants support from the U.S., they must also be willing to discuss pragmatic solutions. It’s a two-way street.
**Editor**: Podolyak also indicated that he believes Ukraine shouldn’t have to concede anything to Russia. What’s your stance on that?
**Trump**: I get where he’s coming from. No country should give up its sovereignty lightly. But at the same time, if there are ways to ensure peace and stability without major sacrifices, that should be explored. Wisdom in negotiation is crucial.
**Editor**: What role do you see the U.S. playing in the ongoing conflict?
**Trump**: The U.S. should be a leader but also a facilitator for negotiations. It’s about leveraging our position without overcommitting militarily. We also have to safeguard our own interests, and that has to be the priority in any situation.
**Editor**: Thank you for sharing your perspective, Mr. Trump. The situation is undoubtedly complex, and we appreciate your insights.
—
Each interview provides a glimpse into the differing perspectives on a deeply entrenched geopolitical issue, highlighting the complexities and challenges both sides face.
