Zelensky’s top advisor gave an interview to SKAI and Chrysa Tsichlis.
He granted a very important interview exclusively to and Chrysa Tsichli o Michael Podoliakone of President Zelensky’s closest associates and advisors, but also a member of the Negotiating Group, which had contacts with the Russian side.
Zelensky’s top adviser, since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has moved all his personal belongings to his office and sleeps in the underground bunkers of the presidential palace.
Here is the interview:
Many Ukrainian officials, even President Zelensky, have said that this war must end before winter comes. Does that mean you want a deal with Russia by winter or that you want to retake Kherson, Donbass and Crimea by November for example?
This is a complex issue, both militarily and strategically. We understand that a prolonged war is difficult. Not only for Ukraine, but also for our European partners. We understand that their quality of life will deteriorate.
Consequently, of course, we would like to minimize these losses, both material and to minimize the number of dead that we have today. But on the other hand, this war will last as long as it needs to. And it can only end if we don’t leave Russian enclaves on Ukrainian soil.
Militarily, is it a realistic goal to retake all the occupied territories in the next 3 to 4 months before the negotiations?
I can’t talk specifically about three or four months. I think that during this time we should certainly have some notable military success as a springboard for the subsequent liberation of all our lands.
Talking to citizens here in Kyiv we see that there is a very high concern that in late August or early September there will be another Russian attack from the north targeting Kyiv. Are you prepared for such an attack?
We understand that (Belarus) is completely dependent on Russia, both economically and militarily, and of course Russia continues to put pressure on Belarus for a new offensive, for opening a second front. However, we have already fully prepared, we have prepared our defensive lines and our defenses on this front are constantly being strengthened.
When do you think the war will end? In winter, next summer, will it be prolonged?
Difficult question because it depends on many factors. It will continue right up until the Russian forces are out of here. And this can last from six months to a year.
When do you think negotiations should start?
Negotiations can, and in any case will, begin after Russia has suffered several significant, tactical defeats on the battlefield. Negotiations with Russia are impossible to begin at this stage (of the war). And this mistake (trying to negotiate) was made by the European countries. Because during these negotiations Russia only behaves from a position of strength and only gives ultimatums. We want to change that. We will enter into the negotiation process with them only when we speak from a position of strength.
How do you comment on the latest explosions in Crimea and Belarus? Many accidents have been happening lately on the enemy’s side…
And they will increase… Because this war shows that Russia cannot guarantee security even in those territories it considers its own. In these areas, citizens who are on the side of Ukraine are beginning to understand that this whole myth with the beast called Russia is falling apart. This is how rebel movements (insurgents) begin to develop and become active. That is why I believe that there will be more and more “accidents” due to “smoking” as we say. And many protest movements in the occupied territories will participate in them.
Is it possible for this war to be ended, without negotiations, only by the use of military force?
Once we achieve significant defeats in the Russian military, Russia will insist that productive negotiation processes begin. It will also be ready to peacefully release some territories in order to avoid the protests of the rebel movements, which will destroy Russia from within.
Do you want to send a message to the Greek citizens?
I believe that every nation should be able to look openly and honestly at both its future and its past. Draw the right conclusions and never be afraid to take responsibility. And I am sure, based on my personal understanding of the historical role of the Greek people, that it may be even more active and influential on the international stage than it was several thousand years ago.
Is the Ukrainian government on alert for the possibility of a nuclear accident in Zaporizhia?
The Russians, on the one hand, mine part of the production facilities, bring heavy weapons there, build ammunition depots there, that is, in this way they put the entire safety system of the nuclear plant at risk. On the other hand, they make direct strikes from the territory of the nuclear power plant. Of course, we are ready for any accident that could be caused as a result of Russia’s moves, not just causing a disaster in Ukraine. It will be a disaster that will affect much of Europe.
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