The Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, has stated that the central government is attempting to remove him from office, and has rejected allegations that he has derailed the heating season, which has not yet begun in the capital. He confirmed that the heating system is ready, whilst acknowledging the risks posed by Russian attacks. Klitschko is due to report to the Verkhovna Rada on 14 October.
Briefly about the main points
- Klitschko claimed that attempts are allegedly being made in Kyiv to carry out a plan to oust the mayor.
- The mayor described claims that the season – which has not yet begun – had been derailed as premature.
- The capital is repairing damaged infrastructure and preparing a backup heating supply.
- Zelenskyy criticised the implementation of energy sustainability plans, whilst the Kyiv City State Administration reported on seasonal works.
- Parliament will hear the mayor’s report on municipal services and winter preparedness.
Klitschko linked the situation in Kyiv to pressure being exerted on local communities
Klitschko He claims that systematic pressure is being exerted on local self-government in Ukraine: according to him, elected community leaders are being removed and replaced by heads of military administrations. The mayor believes that attempts are being made to implement a similar scenario in the capital as well.
As chairman of the Association of Ukrainian Cities, he claimed that 300 city leaders had allegedly been removed from their posts under on flimsy pretexts. This figure is a statement Nickname; he did not provide any evidence in his statement to support the claim that there was a plan to remove him.
The mayor said that he is working under constant Russian attack and that it is up to the residents of Kyiv to assess his performance at the elections.
The mayor confirms that the heating supply and the backup system are ready
In a comment to hromadske, Klitschko stated that the capital’s central heating system is ready for operation. He described reports of an alleged failure in preparations as unfounded, as the heating season in Kyiv has not yet begun.
According to the mayor, the city is repairing the infrastructure damaged by Russian strikes and setting up a backup heating system. This is intended to keep the capital functioning in the event of further attacks on energy infrastructure.
Klitschko acknowledged that Russia’s attacks pose serious threats. He also emphasised that the city authorities are not directly responsible for the operation of the air defence system and therefore cannot guarantee that there will be no damage caused by missiles and drones.
The statements by Zelenskyy and the Kyiv City State Administration relate to different areas of preparation
The political row intensified following the President’s statement Vladimir Zelensky 9 October. He said that the Kyiv city authorities had almost entirely failed to implement the necessary measures under the energy resilience plans. According to him, specific tasks relating to the protection of infrastructure had been set for the capital.
On 18 September, the Kyiv City State Administration reported that it had completed 80% planned activities preparations for the heating season. This figure relates to seasonal work, whereas the President’s statement concerns energy sustainability plans; therefore, it is not possible to directly compare these estimates without a list of tasks.
Klitschko insists that the municipal services are keeping the city running as best they can. Zelenskyy is calling for the protection of Kyiv’s energy infrastructure to be stepped up.
Parliament will hear the mayor’s report on the capital’s operations and the cold spell
On 13 October, the Verkhovna Rada backed a proposal to summon Klitschko to report on the situation in the capital. The proposal was put forward by a Member of Parliament Mariana Bezuhla: 151 MPs supported her proposal, whilst eight voted against it.
First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Alexander Kornienko He clarified that the briefing would take place on 14 October at 12:00. It is expected that councillors will ask the mayor questions about the running of the city’s services and Kyiv’s preparations for the cold season.
