Kyiv Mayor Suggests Land Concessions for Temporary Peace with Russia

In a recent interview, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko suggested that Ukraine may have to consider giving up territory for a temporary peace deal with Russia, following a deadly missile attack in the capital. While acknowledging the possible need for concessions, he firmly stated that the Ukrainian people will never accept occupation.

Kyiv's Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, has recently acknowledged the grim reality facing Ukraine as the ongoing war with Russia continues to escalate. In an interview with BBC Radio 4, Klitschko articulated the uncomfortable possibility that Ukraine might need to concede territory to Russia as part of a peace settlement, especially under increasing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. "One of the scenarios is to give up territory. It's not fair. But for peace, temporary peace, maybe it can be a solution," he lamented.

The sentiments from Klitschko came in response to a particularly harrowing day, as a Russian missile-and-drone assault in Kyiv resulted in the tragic loss of 12 lives and left over 80 injured, marking one of the most deadly strikes against the Ukrainian capital in recent months. Since the start of the full-scale invasion by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2022, Moscow has gained control of approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.

Speaking from his office in central Kyiv, Klitschko, who took on a political role after his boxing career, expressed his deep commitment to the capital, referring to it as “the heart” of Ukraine. He remarked on the difficult road ahead, indicating that President Volodymyr Zelensky might eventually have to confront a "painful solution" to restore peace. Klitschko's comments are significant, as he becomes one of the higher-profile Ukrainian officials to openly consider land concessions, albeit as a temporary measure.

When asked if Zelensky has discussed these negotiations with him, Klitschko was straightforward, stating, "No," and emphasizing that such discussions were conducted solely by the President himself. This statement also hints at the political friction between the two, as Klitschko has previously accused Zelensky's administration of undermining his authority.

The stakes were further raised recently when Trump publicly criticized Zelensky for allegedly hindering peace efforts after the Ukrainian leader reiterated his refusal to recognize Russian control over Crimea, which was forcibly annexed by Moscow in 2014. Trump expressed that Crimea was a lost cause and not a focal point for current discussions; however, Zelensky countered by referencing a declaration from Trump's former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, reaffirming U.S. rejection of Russia's annexation.

The evolving dynamics, particularly Trump's attempts to mend relations with Putin, has left Europe on edge. As Ukraine grapples with ongoing conflict and diplomatic pressures, Klitschko's remarks underscore the difficult choices that lie ahead for the country in its pursuit of peace and sovereignty.