**Ukraine May Be Forced to Give Up Territory for Peace**
In a shocking statement, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has suggested that Ukraine may need to temporarily give up some territories to Russia in order to achieve peace. This comment comes as the international community is putting pressure on Moscow to end its all-out war against Ukraine.
According to Klitschko, one of the possible scenarios for a peace deal involves giving up territory, at least temporarily. However, he emphasized that Ukrainians would “never accept occupation” by Russia. The Kyiv mayor’s remarks were made in an interview with BBC, which was published on April 25.
This statement is significant because it marks the first time a senior Ukrainian politician has suggested that Ukraine may need to consider temporary territorial compromises. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stated that Ukraine will not recognize occupied territories as Russian, and there have been no official proposals for territorial concessions from the US or other partners.
**Diplomatic Efforts Intensify**
The recent comments come amid renewed diplomatic activity following a deadly Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv that killed 12 people and injured almost 90. The strike took place just a day after the Kremlin reiterated its demands that Ukraine cede occupied territory and that the West end its military aid to Kyiv.
The Trump administration’s latest proposal for ending Russia’s war against Ukraine reportedly includes US de jure recognition of Moscow’s control over Crimea, along with de facto recognition of its partial occupation of other Ukrainian regions. However, it is unclear whether this proposal will be accepted by the international community or by Ukraine itself.
**International Community Reacts**
The international community has been quick to react to Klitschko’s comments. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that Russia is the long-term threat to NATO territory and that any territorial concessions would set a dangerous precedent. “If one country in Europe is forced to give up parts of its legal territory… no country in Europe or elsewhere can feel safe, NATO or no NATO,” he said.
France has also reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Emmanuel Macron stated that France will continue to defend the Ukrainian people’s right to live in peace on their territory and within their internationally recognized borders.
**What Next?**
The situation remains uncertain, with both sides continuing to negotiate a potential peace deal. The US has proposed a compromise, which would involve recognizing Moscow’s control over Crimea and partial occupation of other regions. However, it is unclear whether this proposal will be accepted by Ukraine or the international community.
One thing is clear: any territorial concessions would come at a great cost to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. As Klitschko emphasized, Ukrainians would “never accept occupation” by Russia. The international community must remain vigilant in its support for Ukraine and ensure that any peace deal prioritizes the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
**In Related News**
The US has announced plans to send military trainers to western Ukraine instead of deploying troops near the front lines. This move is intended to fulfill a commitment to deploy personnel without engaging in direct defense roles.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Von der Leyen has reaffirmed the EU’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. She emphasized that any peace deal must prioritize the country’s right to live in peace on its territory and within its internationally recognized borders.
