- Kiews Bürgermeister Vitali Klitschko äussert sich zur Kriegslage.
- Er schliesst Gebietsabtretungen an Russland nicht aus, fordert aber stabile Sicherheitsgarantien.
- Gerüchte über eine Nachfolge von Selenski weist Klitschko zurück.
After four years of war, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has offered a candid assessment of Ukraine’s position, suggesting potential concessions may be necessary while emphasizing the need for robust security guarantees. The remarks come as international efforts to find a path to peace continue and underscore the complex challenges facing Ukraine as it navigates the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The mayor of Kyiv, a former professional boxer, spoke in a recent interview with the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, outlining his views on the current situation in Ukraine, potential concessions to Russia, and dismissing speculation about a future role as a successor to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Klitschko stated that the situation in Kyiv is relatively stable, with medical services and public transportation functioning. However, he acknowledged the hardships faced by residents due to the cold winter and continued Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, noting that approximately 600,000 people in the capital are currently living in buildings without heating. “We are providing generators, helping with emergency shelters, and organizing additional support for particularly vulnerable people,” he said.
Potential Concessions
Klitschko emphasized the need for continued international support, both military and political, in light of recent negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegates in Geneva. While those talks failed to resolve key issues such as territorial concessions, the mayor stressed the importance of securing lasting security guarantees for Ukraine.
“But the most important question is: how can it be guaranteed that Russia will not come back?” he asked. He suggested that an internationally controlled buffer zone in the Donbas region could be considered “if it brings real security,” but cautioned that any concessions would need to be carefully evaluated.
Territorial Considerations
Klitschko acknowledged the need to maintain strong ties with the United States, despite past pressure from the Trump administration to cede territory to Russia. “This is not a question of emotions, but of political reality. If Ukraine falls, it will have consequences for all of Europe,” he stated. He believes that a strong military and political position is essential for any serious negotiations with Russia, as “Putin only respects strength.”
While he did not rule out the possibility of ceding occupied territories in the Donbas, Klitschko stressed that this could only be considered if reliable guarantees are in place. “Alone, we are not strong enough. We must act together with our partners,” he said.
Succession Speculation
Klitschko also addressed ongoing rumors about his potential candidacy to succeed President Zelenskyy, dismissing them as ill-timed. “It would be a sizeable mistake to think about political positions or possible future positions now. That would be the wrong priority. Today, a much more fundamental question is at stake: will Ukraine remain an independent state or not?”
Benedikt Hollenstein (bho) is a reporter for 20 Minuten, having joined the news desk in 2021.
