Klitschko responded to Zelensky’s criticism – the Rada talked about his dismissal
15 January 12:55
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly criticized Kyiv’s preparations for the difficult situation in the energy sector, stating that “very little” had been done in the capital to prevent the consequences of large-scale power and heat outages. The head of state made this statement in an evening video address after a meeting on the state of the country’s energy system, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
“Much less than necessary has been done in Kyiv.”
According to the president, during the meeting, the preparedness of cities and regions for an emergency in the energy sector was analyzed separately. Zelensky noted that in a number of communities, local authorities were more active, while in the capital, the situation remains critical.
“The situation is particularly difficult in Kyiv. The same applies to Odesa, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and some other regions. But, for example, in Kharkiv, local authorities have prepared themselves. Kyiv, unfortunately, has done much less — very little has been done in the capital. And even these days, I do not see the necessary intensity. This needs to be corrected urgently,” the president said.
State of emergency in the energy sector
The day before, Zelensky announced the introduction of a state of emergency in Ukraine’s energy sector. According to him, this will allow for more efficient management decisions, particularly regarding the operation of critical infrastructure.
The president also noted that during the state of emergency, curfews may be lifted in some cities and communities if this will ensure people’s access to heat, water, and other necessary assistance.
Klitschko responded to Zelensky’s criticism
The mayor of the capital, Vitaliy Klitschko, publicly responded to the president’s statement, emphasizing that the criticism “levels the selfless work of thousands of specialists” who are working to eliminate the consequences of the Russian attacks.
According to the mayor, after the latest strikes in Kyiv, about 400 out of six thousand houses were left without heat in a few days, and utility workers are working around the clock in the bitter cold to repair critical infrastructure damaged by the enemy in order to restore heat and water to people. Energy workers are also working around the clock, trying to restore light to the homes of Kyiv residents, at least for a few hours.
“Such statements, first of all, nullify the selfless work of thousands of people, specialists. Although they do not have weapons in their hands, they also fight for their country with their tireless efforts. Meanwhile – continuous hate. Aaah, Klitschko advised those who have the opportunity to move out of town. So as not to freeze. Without light and heat. Those who have the opportunity to temporarily leave. At least I speak honestly and warn people about an extremely difficult situation. And I don’t care about any ratings and ghostly elections,” – Klitschko noted.
He emphasized that he was responding publicly, because “over the past 4 years, Mr. President, we have never met in person.”
But he added that as mayor in the current emergency situation he is doing “everything to maintain the city’s vital functions (as in the first days and weeks of a full-scale war).”
The situation in Kyiv: intermittent electricity and heating
Kyiv is experiencing its worst energy crisis since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. After massive attacks on January 9 and 13 and amid severe frosts in the capital:
- emergency power cuts are in effect;
- scheduled power supply is not working;
- electricity is supplied for an average of 3 hours, followed by 10 or more hours without power;
- more than 400,000 families remain without electricity;
- about 500 high-rise buildings are still without heat.
Calls for personnel decisions
People’s Deputy Mariana Bezuhla stated that in the face of the threat of a complete blackout, tough management decisions are needed, and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko should be removed from city management and the head of the military administration, Timur Tkachenko, should be replaced.
She believes that Kyiv needs a military administration head without political preferences and with experience in crisis management, and that the current conflict between the city and central authorities is not producing results for the city.
What’s next
The government and central authorities expect local administrations to make urgent decisions on backup power, heat supply, and coordination with energy companies. In Kyiv, the situation remains tense, and further steps will depend on developments in the energy system and the security situation.
