Trump's ambitious 100‑day plan: negotiating war's end
Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, believes that future U.S. President Donald Trump will require 100 days to commence negotiations with Russian leader Vladimir Putin not to conclude the war. In an article for the Italian newspaper "La Stampa," Podolyak stated that there can be "no compromise at the expense of Ukraine."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned on Monday that there is political will to arrange a meeting between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and the U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump.
Donald Trump says he will end the war in 100 days. But it's crucial to understand his intentions: In 100 days, he will be able to start negotiations with Putin, the advisor to the Ukrainian president explained in an interview published on Monday.
Only after this can negotiations between Ukraine and Russia take place. To end this war, one must understand the context and listen to President Zelensky, who talks about two fundamental steps for us - he added.
Podolyak then outlined that the first step is to reach an agreement on the positions of the U.S., the European Union, and Ukraine regarding a just peace.
Secondly, he noted, it is crucial to clearly define the tools of pressure on Russia, also in the future. "In other words: Russia will not give up the desire to continue attacking Ukraine and beyond - stated the advisor to the Ukrainian president.
He assessed that "talking about peace in 100 days harms us and the West."
- We must dispel illusions: there is an aggressor country. Do we want to stop it and live in peace, make it accept that there is international law, or allow it to pay nothing for this war, leave it territory, and agree to further expansion? - Podolyak asked.
In his opinion, Ukraine should not discuss whether it is ready to give up Donbas. He emphasized that there is no room for any compromise "at the expense of Ukraine."
- But if everyone keeps discussing giving something to Russia, it is like an invitation to a wedding - he assessed.
"President-elect tries to save Ukraine"
Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, retired General Keith Kellogg, said a few days earlier on Fox News that the president-elect aims to "as soon as possible" bring an end to the war in Ukraine, but does not intend to make concessions to Putin.
- I think people should know that he is not trying to give anything to Putin or the Russians. He is trying to save Ukraine and preserve its sovereignty and will ensure that it is fair and just - Kellogg stated.
He noted that his "personal and professional" goal is to find a solution to the conflict within 100 days from January 20th, when Donald Trump's inauguration is scheduled at 12:00 PM EST.
Trump announced on January 7th his intention to end Russia's war against Ukraine within six months. During the election campaign, he spoke of bringing it to an end even within 24 hours.
Michael Waltz, Trump's national security advisor, announced on Sunday in an interview with ABC that the president-elect will soon call Putin as part of preparations for a meeting to end the war in Ukraine.
