Kyiv mayor explains his remarks about giving up territories as a "temporary solution"

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has elaborated on remarks he made in an interview with the BBC in which he said one possible scenario is that Ukraine might temporarily cede territories in exchange for peace.

Source: Klitschko on Facebook

Quote from Klitschko: "Perhaps I should clarify. In my interview with BBC journalists, I mentioned that Ukraine could be compelled to make territorial concessions in exchange for ending the war.

Unfortunately, as we can see, this scenario is entirely possible. Many of the world’s politicians and the media are discussing it today. Therefore, by expressing this, I haven't said anything groundbreaking."

Details: Klitschko said he had stressed in the interview that "the Ukrainian people will never accept Russia's occupation of their country".

Quote: "We understand that the scenario of territorial concessions goes against our national interests and we must resist its implementation to the very end. This will require exceptional efforts from both us and our European partners."

Background:

• Klitschko said in the BBC interview: "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 added that the Ukrainian people would "never accept occupation" by Russia.
• The Kyiv mayor said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may be forced to accept a "painful solution" to achieve peace. Asked whether Zelenskyy had discussed any details of a possible settlement with him, Klitschko replied bluntly: "No. President Zelenskyy does [it] himself. It's not my function."
  

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