- Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko comments on the war situation.
- He does not rule out ceding territory to Russia, but calls for stable security guarantees.
- Klitschko rejects rumors about a successor to Selenski.
After four years of war, the former professional boxer is visibly scarred: Unlike most other Ukrainians, Vitali Klitschko has been spared from frontline operations, but in his role as mayor of the capital Kiev, he has hardly had a moment of peace since the Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022.
He was actually supposed to take part in the Munich Security Conference in mid-February – but he had to cancel at the last moment due to massive Russian air strikes. In a detailed interview with the “Neue Zürcher Zeitung”, the 54-year-old comments on the situation in the country, possible concessions towards Russia and rumors that he is the successor to Volodimir Zelensky.
The situation in Kyiv
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The situation in his city is comparatively good, also thanks to the close air defense around Kiev: “Medical care works, public transport works.” But the cold winter and the ongoing Russian attacks on the energy infrastructure also made life difficult in the capital: 600,000 people in Kiev currently lived in unheated buildings. “We provide generators, help with emergency accommodation, and organize additional support for people who are particularly at risk,” said the mayor.
The negotiations
In view of the recent talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Geneva, in which key points of contention such as territorial cessions could not be resolved, Klitschko is once again calling for international support – not only military, but also political and financial.
“But the most important question is: How can it be guaranteed that Russia will not come back?” In order to guarantee long-term stability, reliable security guarantees are needed. The mayor of Kiev has no illusions about the necessary concessions from Ukraine: “I do not rule out an internationally controlled buffer zone in Donbass. If it brings real security, you have to check it,” he says in an interview.
The territories
Despite repeated pressures from the Trump administration to cede territory to Russia, it is essential that the Americans continue to be on Ukraine’s side. “This is not a question of emotions, but of political reality. If Ukraine falls, it will affect all of Europe.” Since Putin only respects strength, Klitschko only sees an opportunity for serious negotiations with Russia if Ukraine is militarily and politically strong.
From the former heavyweight world champion’s point of view, the question of whether one can accept the cession of the occupied territories in Donbass demanded by Russia cannot be answered until there are reliable guarantees. But Klitschko doesn’t want to rule out the option – also with regard to allies who are vital to Ukraine’s survival: “We are not strong enough on our own. That’s why we have to act together with our partners.”
The successor question
The politician is also repeatedly talked about as a possible successor to Volodimir Selenski – rumors that Klitschko doesn’t like: “It would be a big mistake to think about political posts or possible future positions now. That would be the wrong priority. Today there is a much more fundamental question: Will Ukraine remain an independent state or not?”
Benedikt Hollenstein (bho) has been at 20 minutes since 2021. He writes for the news desk and also takes on day management shifts there.
