Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said Ukraine might have to consider giving up land temporarily to bring a halt to the ongoing war. Speaking after a deadly attack on the capital, he called the idea unfair but admitted it could offer short-term peace.
“One possible option is surrendering land. It’s unjust. But temporary peace might make it necessary,” Klitschko said.
His comments came during a tense time for Ukraine, as Russian missile and drone strikes continue to hit major cities.
Ukraine Rejects Russian Occupation, Klitschko Stresses
Despite mentioning the possibility of a land deal, Klitschko made it clear that Ukrainians would never accept permanent Russian control over their territory.
The 53-year-old former boxing champion spoke emotionally after a recent Russian assault on Kyiv. That attack killed 12 people and injured more than 80 others, making it one of the deadliest strikes on the city in recent months.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. So far, Russian forces control about 20% of Ukrainian land, mostly in the eastern and southern regions.
Klitschko called Kyiv “the heart” of Ukraine and said he feels a personal duty to protect it.
“Kyiv is not just a city. It is the soul of Ukraine. I am responsible for its safety and for keeping hope alive,” he stated.
Painful Choices Ahead, But Klitschko Not Involved in Peace Talks
Klitschko also warned that President Volodymyr Zelensky might face painful decisions in the near future. He suggested that agreeing to a temporary land concession could be one way to end the bloodshed.
However, Klitschko made it clear that he is not part of any formal negotiations.
When asked if Zelensky consulted him, Klitschko answered simply, “No. President Zelensky handles those matters. That isn’t my responsibility.”
By speaking openly about possible compromises, Klitschko became one of the highest-ranking Ukrainian officials to publicly acknowledge the challenges ahead.
Still, many Ukrainians and government officials firmly oppose giving up any land, even temporarily.
Growing Rift Between Zelensky and Klitschko
The remarks come as political tensions between Klitschko and President Zelensky continue to grow.
Klitschko has often accused Zelensky’s government of trying to weaken his authority in Kyiv. The two leaders have clashed before, but the latest tensions are more public.
Klitschko criticized a February meeting between Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. He said that sensitive political topics should not be discussed in front of cameras.
“Such matters should be handled privately, not aired publicly. It damages Ukraine’s position,” Klitschko said.
Earlier this week, Trump blamed Zelensky for blocking peace talks by refusing to accept Russia’s claim over Crimea.
Trump stated that Crimea “was lost years ago” and is “not even a topic for debate.” His comments drew swift criticism from Ukraine and its allies.
President Zelensky pushed back by pointing to a 2018 declaration made by then-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. That statement, known as the Crimea Declaration, reaffirmed that the United States does not recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
“The world must stand by Ukraine’s sovereignty, without compromises,” Zelensky said.
Concerns Rise Over Trump’s Position on Ukraine
Trump’s latest statements have raised concerns in Ukraine and across Europe. Leaders fear that Trump’s closer stance to Putin could weaken international support for Ukraine.
Several European nations, including Germany and France, have warned that a shift in U.S. policy could impact aid packages and military support for Kyiv.
According to reports, if Trump wins another term, he might push Ukraine to make major concessions in return for a ceasefire. Ukrainian officials, however, remain firm that any peace deal must respect the country’s internationally recognized borders.
Ukraine continues to receive military aid from Western countries, but delays and uncertainty over future support are growing.
Ukraine’s Future Remains Unclear
As the war enters its third year, Ukraine faces difficult decisions. The loss of civilian life continues to mount, and cities like Kyiv remain under constant threat.
Klitschko’s comments about a possible temporary land deal reflect the harsh realities Ukraine faces. Yet, many believe that any compromise now could encourage future aggression by Russia.
For now, Ukraine’s official stance remains unchanged: no land concessions, and no acceptance of Russia’s occupation.