Status: 26.11.2022 9:12 a.m
After recent Russian missile attacks, Ukraine is making progress in rebuilding infrastructure. But in many cities, President Selenskyj is not moving fast enough – apparently especially in Kyiv. Klitschko is mayor there.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized the work of the Kyiv city administration in repairing damage after the massive Russian attacks on the energy supply. “Unfortunately, the local authorities have not done a good job in all cities,” said Zelenskyy in his evening video address. “In particular, there are numerous complaints in Kyiv.” Many citizens of the capital are now up to 30 hours without electricity. “Tonight 600,000 subscribers in the city are switched off,” explained the President. “We expect quality work from the mayor’s office.”
Too few functioning warming rooms
Selenskyj did not name Mayor Vitali Klitschko. He was particularly annoyed that there were fewer heat rooms than needed in the capital, which has three million inhabitants. Klitschko had reported that 400 of these contact points had been set up. In the event of a power outage lasting more than one day, citizens should be able to warm up there. There should be electricity, water, first aid and internet.
In fact, there are only functioning warming rooms in the civil defense buildings and at the train station, said Zelenskyj. “There is still work to be done in other areas, to say the least.” The residents of Kyiv need more protection. False reports in this matter are unforgivable.
Selenskyj and Klitschko put their political competition on hold during the war. But it continues, as the President’s statements show. Klitschko has not yet issued a statement.
Six million points of consumption still without electricity
With a swarm of around 70 rockets and cruise missiles, Russia fired at Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Wednesday, causing serious damage. It was the eighth such wave of attacks since mid-October. On Wednesday evening after the attack, twelve million points of consumption were without electricity across the country, said Zelenskyj. On Friday evening there were still six million consumption points.
The loss of electricity means that many places have no water or heating either. Internet and phone work poorly. Zelenskyj warned people to be frugal, even when there is light. “Just because there’s electricity doesn’t mean you can turn on multiple powerful electrical devices at the same time.” The EU wants to deliver 40 generators to Ukraine. This was announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen after a conversation with Selenskyj. The devices could each supply a small to medium-sized hospital with electricity.