Klitschko: Ukraine May Consider Temporary Land Concessions For Peace.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has suggested that Ukraine may be forced to give up some of its territory in pursuit of peace with Russia, amid increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump to accept territorial concessions.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s *Today* programme from his office in the Ukrainian capital on Thursday, Klitschko said: “One of the scenarios is… to give up territory. It’s not fair. But for the peace, temporary peace, maybe it can be a solution, temporary.”
The former world boxing champion, now one of Ukraine’s most prominent political figures, was clear that such a move would not be popular among Ukrainians. “The Ukrainian people will never accept occupation,” he added, shortly after a deadly missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed 12 people and injured more than 80 – one of the most devastating strikes on the city in recent months.
Russia currently occupies roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory, following its full-scale invasion in 2022. Despite the ongoing conflict, Klitschko’s comments mark a rare public acknowledgement from a senior Ukrainian official that territorial compromise might be considered, even if only as a temporary step.
Klitschko and President Volodymyr Zelensky have long been political rivals, with the mayor accusing the president’s team of undermining his role in the capital. He confirmed that Zelensky had not discussed any possible peace deal with him directly, stating, “President Zelensky does [it] himself. It’s not my function.”
Commenting on the diplomatic rift between Zelensky and President Trump, who clashed publicly at the White House in February, Klitschko noted that sensitive issues should be handled discreetly. “Without video cameras, such discussions would be more productive,” he said.
Earlier this week, Trump criticised Zelensky for rejecting any talks involving Russian control of Crimea – the peninsula illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014. Trump downplayed the issue, saying, “Crimea was lost years ago” and was “not even a point of discussion.”
In response, Zelensky reminded the international community of the 2018 “Crimea Declaration” by then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, which firmly rejected Russia’s annexation.
Concerns are growing in Europe about what many perceive as President Trump’s increasingly conciliatory stance towards the Kremlin, which could reshape the diplomatic landscape around the war in Ukraine.
Despite the heavy toll of the conflict, Klitschko maintained his commitment to defending Kyiv. “I am responsible for the capital of Ukraine,” he said. “Kyiv is the heart of our country.”
While any peace talks remain distant and deeply contentious, Klitschko’s remarks have sparked fresh debate about how Ukraine might ultimately seek to end the war – and at what cost.
