President Zelensky criticizes Kyiv’s response to energy crisis after Russian attacks, with Mayor Klichko publicly defending the city’s efforts.
Problems in Kyiv after Russian attacks
In the Ukrainian capital, heating has been missing for nearly a week in several hundred buildings, and last night the temperature there dropped to -18°C. This is the result of Russian strikes on city heating plants. Residents are also struggling with multi-hour power outages.
Despite the increased work of repair crews, hot water is not reaching nearly 400 multi-family homes in several districts of Kyiv. The city authorities have mobilized mobile boilers, but this is not enough. The poor technical condition of the heating network is also noticeable.
In the Ukrainian capital, there are over 1,200 so-called “points of resilience,” where Kyiv residents can warm up and charge their phones.
Zelensky reacts to the situation in Kyiv
Vladimir Zelensky has reacted to the situation in Kyiv. According to the president, “very little has been done” in the capital regarding the crisis in the energy sectors. “Even today I don’t see this intensity (of actions), we must urgently fix everything. There must be some solutions,” Zelensky noted in a speech published on the X service on January 14.
He added that the situation in many Ukrainian cities has been analyzed and “it is particularly difficult in Kyiv.” “We see how much has been done, especially in Kharkov – the local authorities there were prepared,” the politician pointed out. He also instructed to “increase the possibilities of importing electricity” in the capital.
In another publication, he informed that a “permanent coordination center” will deal with the situation in Kyiv.
Kyiv Mayor: I answer you, forgive me, publicly
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klichko responded to Zelensky’s publication. “What ‘intensity’ of work in Kyiv in an emergency situation does the president not see, especially in recent days?” he asked in a publication on Telegram.
At the same time, he pointed out that after the Russian attack, “out of 6,000 buildings without heating,” only 400 remained after several days, and communal services and energy workers are working around the clock and “repairing critical infrastructure damaged by the enemy” and “trying to restore electricity for several hours in homes.” Klichko also emphasized that facilities such as hospitals or nursing homes are constantly connected to “autonomous power sources,” and social workers “are distributing hot meals to lonely, bedridden Kyiv residents.”
In Kyiv, critical infrastructure facilities are also to be continuously supplied with power from generators. For this reason, Vitaliy Klichko stated that the statement by the Ukrainian president “depreciates the devoted work of thousands of people, specialists.” “Although they don’t have weapons in their hands, with their tireless efforts they are also fighting for their country. Meanwhile – total hate,” added the mayor of Kyiv.
He also informed that he had advised Kyiv residents to leave the city if they have the opportunity. “At least I speak honestly and warn people about the extremely difficult situation. And I don’t care about any ratings or illusory elections,” he addressed Zelensky. He also assured that both he and the services are doing everything to maintain the functioning of the city and protect the lives and health of Kyiv residents.
“I answer you, forgive me, publicly. Because for the last four years, I have unfortunately never met you personally, Mr. President,” Klichko wrote.
