«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 specific strategies is Ukraine employing to maintain its sovereignty while engaging with NATO and U.S. military partnerships?
**Interview with Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Podolyak. You recently expressed strong views regarding the ongoing discussions around a potential ceasefire and territorial concessions to Russia. Can you elaborate on why you believe such concessions would be detrimental to Ukraine?
**Podolyak**: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The idea that Ukraine should concede territories as part of a ceasefire agreement, essentially giving in to Vladimir Putin’s demands, is deeply troubling. Our position is clear: to negotiate under the assumption that Ukraine must give up something is fundamentally flawed. Putin’s objectives are not merely territorial; they encompass the complete destruction of Ukraine and the establishment of dominance over Europe. So why would he ever agree to an equitable deal?
**Editor**: You mentioned that concessions from Ukraine would undermine its sovereignty. What is your response to those advocating for a pragmatic approach to end the conflict, even if it means some concessions?
**Podolyak**: Pragmatism should not come at the cost of our sovereignty. We have fought valiantly for three years, and the notion that we should surrender now is illogical. Moreover, it’s curious that discussions around concessions always focus on what Ukraine should give up, while there’s little talk about what Russia must return in terms of accountability or reparations.
**Editor**: You raised an intriguing point about military capabilities. How can Ukraine contribute to NATO or U.S. military strategies without losing its own independence?
**Podolyak**: We are in a unique position. We possess significant military expertise and resources, including rare minerals like lithium and titanium. Rather than viewing our engagement as a sacrifice, we’re offering a partnership option where we can help fill certain gaps in American and NATO contingents in Europe. This represents a rational and mutually beneficial approach, leveraging our capabilities in a constructive way.
**Editor**: what is your overall message as the conflict continues to evolve?
**Podolyak**: Our message is one of resilience and strength. We must force Russia to accept conditions that recognize Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The days of negotiating from a position of weakness must end. We will not be begging or bargaining; we will be demanding the respect and recognition that we deserve as a nation. Thank you for discussing these important issues with me.
**Editor**: Thank you for your insights, Mr. Podolyak. We appreciate your time and perspective.
