Klitschko urges referendum as Zelensky faces tough choices in Ukraine
9:09 AM EDT, July 22, 2024
Vitaliy Klitschko gave an interview to the Italian newspaper "Corriere della Sera," during which he spoke about the potential agreement between Ukraine and Russia. The Mayor of Kyiv admitted that for this to happen, President Volodymyr Zelensky would have to call a referendum and let his compatriots vote.
Vitaliy Klitschko openly admitted that Volodymyr Zelensky is facing very difficult months ahead. "He will have to continue the war with further casualties and destruction or consider a territorial compromise with Putin," said the retired boxer.
How do we explain to the country that we have to give up parts of our territory that cost the lives of thousands of our fighting heroes? Whatever move our president makes, he risks political suicide, he added.
Vitaliy Klitschko: Zelensky will probably have to call a referendum
Klitschko said that Ukrainians must win the war, but the situation is becoming increasingly complicated. He added that much depends on incoming aid from allies, and he cannot imagine his compatriots having to fight for the next two years.
In Ukraine, there are increasing voices about a potential agreement with Russia, but according to Klitschko, for this to happen, Volodymyr Zelensky will have to call a referendum.
Zelensky will probably have to call a referendum. I don't think he could make such painful and important agreements on his own without the legitimacy of society. The way out for him would be to create a national unity government. I'm not sure if he is ready to give up power concentrated in his hands. We can never forget that we are a democratic republic linked to the tradition of European governments. We fight to defend ourselves against Russian dictatorship; we want to be completely different from Putin's regime, emphasized the Mayor of Kyiv.
He concluded by saying that he is against holding elections. Asked about the potential return of Donald Trump to the position of U.S. President, he replied that he is not afraid of such a scenario and that the Republican Party has always been anti-Russian. "I see no reason why it should now support Putin's reasons," we read.