Poland’s former Prime Minister Leszek Miller has stirred controversy by urging Ukraine to consider ceding Crimea to Russia as a pathway to ending the war, emphasizing that no land is worth more than human life.
Speaking on Radio Zet Thursday morning, Miller didn’t beat around the bush when asked if Kyiv should relinquish the disputed peninsula to secure peace. “Yes,” he replied bluntly, adding that prolonging the war under the banner of territorial integrity could come at an unacceptable human cost.
“Only one thing is truly priceless—life,” Miller said, warning against what he sees as a dangerous push by pro-war factions in Europe to keep the conflict going indefinitely. “Poland can’t be the kind of country that fights in Ukraine until the last Ukrainian falls. That would reflect terribly on us.”
He pointed out that signs from Washington suggest Ukraine may soon face reduced Western support. Miller referenced recent remarks by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, who stated bluntly that the war in Ukraine is not America’s to fight, hinting at waning patience within the U.S. government.
Behind the scenes, there’s growing speculation that the United States is floating Crimea’s status as a possible bargaining chip in peace talks with Russia. While it may be a bitter pill for Ukrainians, Miller believes it might be their best shot at ending the bloodshed.
Citing retired General Bogusław Pacek, the former PM echoed the belief that Ukrainians need to decide whether their goal is to fight for every inch of land or prioritize saving lives. “Peace, even a fragile one, is better than endless war,” Miller said. “People can survive and reclaim borders through diplomacy. After all, Poland went over a century without its own territory, and yet we endured.”
Miller’s stance aligns with voices like Donald Trump and other global figures calling for an end to hostilities at any cost. He insists that national survival must come before national pride.
While his remarks may ruffle feathers among Ukraine’s staunchest allies, Miller is standing firm. To him, the bigger picture is clear: no matter how painful the compromise, peace is a better legacy than war.
