Selenskyj criticizes the work of Mayor Klitschko
Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko – “Only a third still has heating”
The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine continues unabated despite the cold. Nevertheless, the mayor of Kyiv is hopeful: “I believe in Ukraine as a modern, democratic, European country,” says Vitali Klitschko in an exclusive WELT interview with Tatjana Ohm.
The war damage in Ukraine is taking on a domestic political dimension: President Volodymyr Zelenskyj has accused the city administration in Kyiv of not setting up enough warming rooms. However, he avoided naming Vitali Klitschko. More in the live ticker.
Dhe President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized the work of the Kiev city administration in repairing damage after the massive Russian attacks on the energy supply. “Tonight 600,000 subscribers in the city are switched off,” said Zelenskyj in his evening video address on Friday. “Many Kiev citizens were without electricity for more than 20 or even 30 hours.” He expects quality work from the mayor’s office.
The President did not name Mayor Vitali Klitschko. He was particularly annoyed that there were fewer heat rooms than necessary in the capital, which has three million inhabitants. Klitschko had reported in the morning that 400 of these contact points had been set up. In the event of power outages lasting more than one day, citizens should be able to warm up there; there should be electricity, water, first aid and internet.
“Unfortunately, the local authorities have not done a good job in all cities,” Zelenskyy said. “In particular, there are numerous complaints in Kyiv.” In fact, there are only functioning heat rooms in the civil defense buildings and at the train station. “There is still work to be done in other areas, to say the least,” the president said. “Kyiv residents need more protection.”
Nationwide, six million points of consumption are still without electricity, said Zelenskyj. On Wednesday evening after the Russian attack, there were twelve million consumption points. He warned people to be frugal even when there is light. “If there is electricity, it doesn’t mean that you can switch on several powerful electrical devices at the same time.” Every evening there are peaks in consumption, which in turn lead to new power outages.
Selenskyj and Klitschko put their political competition on hold during the war. But it continues, as the President’s statements show.