Ukraine May Have to Give Up Land for Peace, Kiev Mayor Tells BBC

By Staff, Agencies

Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kiev, has suggested that Ukraine might have to consider giving up territory as part of a potential peace deal with Russia.

His remarks come amid growing pressure from US President Donald Trump for Ukraine to accept territorial concessions, as confrontations intensify.

Speaking to the BBC, Klitschko acknowledged that one scenario for ending the war might involve temporary territorial concessions.

"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," he said.

Despite this, the politician stressed that the Ukrainian people would "never accept occupation" by Russia, marking a rare admission from a senior Ukrainian figure about the potential for land concessions, even if only temporarily.

Klitschko's remarks came just hours after a Russian missile-and-drone attack on Kiev, making it one of the most severe attacks on the capital in recent months.

While discussing Ukraine's challenges, Klitschko emphasized that he remains committed to defending Kiev, which he described as "the heart" of the war-torn country. 

He suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky might have to take a "painful solution" to bring about peace.

When asked if Zelensky had discussed any potential settlement details with him, Klitschko responded, "No. President Zelensky does [it] himself. It's not my function."

He noted that sensitive issues between political leaders should be handled discreetly, "without video cameras," referring to the public clash between Zelensky and Trump at the White House in February.