Total ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine by April 20: Presidential Office evaluates possibility
Mykhailo Podolyak, an Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine (Photo: RBC-Ukraine, Vitalii Nosach)
Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine, stated that to achieve results in negotiations with Russia, US President Donald Trump will have to exert pressure on the Kremlin. According to him, concessions to Moscow will lead to defeat, even for the United States.
Podolyak shared his opinion on the US strategy in negotiations with Russia, emphasizing that Trump will have to use both "carrot" and "stick" to reach a meaningful outcome.
"For us, given that we have synchronized our positions with the US, he (Trump - ed.) also sincerely believes in this today. But Russia will try to nullify his (Trump's - ed..) reputation. So, if he wants to achieve results, he will have to use the carrot and the stick to compel Russia to make concessions," said Podolyak.
According to the adviser, only through strong pressure on Russia can the Kremlin be forced into real compromises.
He stressed that despite claims of friendly relations between Putin and Trump, Russia still views the US as an adversary and will do everything possible to damage the reputation of the United States and its president.
"Russia wants to create the impression that they dominate the global stage today, not the United States," Podolyak concluded.
He noted that Trump, realizing this, will likely choose harsher methods of influencing Russia.
Podolyak also stated that only such a strategy will allow the United States to progress in negotiations and reduce the threats posed by Russia to international security.
US-Russia negotiations
On March 23, a new round of negotiations between the US, Ukraine, and Russia took place in Riyadh to discuss ending the war.
During the meeting, Kyiv and Washington discussed a ceasefire in the Black Sea to ensure free navigation and stop attacks on Ukrainian ports.
At the same time, it was revealed that the US and Russia were preparing a joint statement following the negotiations in Saudi Arabia. While the content of the statement has not yet been disclosed, the US delegation in Riyadh conveyed optimistic signals to the Trump administration regarding progress in the talks.
Furthermore, the Kremlin announced that US-Russia negotiations will continue and will involve the United Nations and other countries. The discussions in Riyadh covered a wide range of issues.
