President Zelensky criticizes Kyiv authorities’ response to energy crisis following Russian attacks, as Mayor Klitschko defends efforts and accuses president of “total hate.”
Problems in Kyiv After Russian Attacks
In the Ukrainian capital, heating has been lacking in hundreds of buildings for nearly a week, with temperatures dropping to -18°C overnight. This is the result of Russian strikes on city heating plants. Residents are also struggling with multi-hour power outages. Despite increased work by repair brigades, hot water is not reaching nearly 400 multi-family homes in several districts of Kyiv. The city authorities have activated mobile boilers, but this is not enough.
In Kyiv, over 1,200 so-called “points of invincibility” are operating, where residents can warm up and charge their phones.
Zelensky Reacts to Situation in Kyiv
Volodymyr Zelensky 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. “I don’t even see this intensity today, we need to fix everything urgently. There must be some solutions,” Zelensky noted in a speech published on X 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 Kharkiv – the local authorities there prepared,” the politician pointed out. He also called on the capital to “increase the possibilities of importing electricity.”
Kyiv Mayor: “I Answer You, Forgive Me, Publicly”
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko 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 questioned in a post 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.
Klitschko also emphasized that facilities such as hospitals or nursing homes are constantly connected to “autonomous power sources,” and social workers “distribute hot meals to lonely, lying residents of Kyiv.” He stated that Zelensky’s statement “deprecates 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.
“I answer you, forgive me, publicly. Because in the last four years, with you personally, Mr. President, unfortunately we have not met once,” Klitschko wrote.
