Ukrainian President Zelensky criticizes Kyiv’s response to energy crisis amid Russian attacks, with Mayor Klitschko defending city efforts.
Problems in Kyiv after Russian attacks
In the Ukrainian capital, heating has been lacking in hundreds of buildings for nearly a week, and last night temperatures dropped to -18°C. This is the result of Russian strikes on urban heating plants. Residents are also facing long power outages. Despite increased work by repair crews, warm water has not reached nearly 400 apartment buildings in several Kyiv districts. The city authorities have activated mobile boilers, but this is insufficient. The poor condition of the heating network is also causing problems. There are over 1,200 so-called “points of resilience” in the Ukrainian capital where Kyiv residents can warm up and charge their phones.
Zelensky reacts to the situation in Kyiv
Volodymyr 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 work – ed.), we must urgently fix everything. 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 were prepared,” the politician pointed out. He also instructed to “increase the possibilities of importing electricity” to the capital. In another post, he announced that a “permanent coordination center” would deal with the situation in Kyiv.
Kyiv Mayor: I’m answering you publicly, sorry
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko responded to Zelensky’s publication. “What ‘intensity’ of work in Kyiv during an emergency situation does the president not see, especially in recent days?” he asked 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 without it after a few days, and communal services and energy workers are working around the clock “repairing critical infrastructure damaged by the enemy” and “trying to restore electricity to homes for at least a few hours.” Klitschko 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 residents of Kyiv.” In Kyiv, critical infrastructure objects are also to be continuously supplied from generators. In this regard, Vitali Klitschko stated that the Ukrainian president’s statement “belittles the dedicated work of thousands of people, specialists.” “Although they don’t have weapons in their hands, they are also fighting for their country with their tireless efforts. 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’m speaking honestly and warning people about an 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’m answering you publicly, sorry. Because for the last four years, Mr. President, unfortunately, we have never met personally,” Klitschko wrote.