Podolyak Says Ukraine Ready to Freeze Conflict but Demands Stronger Security Guarantees
Ukrainian adviser Podolyak said Kyiv may accept a conflict freeze with Russia but insists on solid security guarantees, U.S. role, and long-range weapons.
Mikhail Podolyak, adviser to the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, said Kyiv is prepared to consider a temporary freeze of the conflict that would effectively acknowledge the loss of territories currently under Russian control.
In an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Podolyak explained that these areas «will remain as they are for now," while Ukraine would rely on diplomatic and economic pressure in the longer term to seek their return.
He dismissed security guarantee proposals put forward by Italy, which he compared to NATO’s Article 5 provisions, arguing they do not align with Ukraine’s interests. Instead, Podolyak said Kyiv requires a clear and reliable system of allied guarantees, even if it does not entail full NATO membership.
According to him, one of Ukraine’s core demands is the creation of real mechanisms to strengthen its armed forces. This includes the expansion of domestic defense production and the establishment of joint ventures with Western partners — a process he said would be supported by rising defense budgets across Europe.
Podolyak also underscored the importance of the United States in any future security framework for Ukraine. He added that Kyiv expects to secure long-range weaponry capable of reaching targets inside Russia’s European territory.