Zelensky: Klitschko perceives search for experts for Kyiv as threat to his position

President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the situation regarding Kyiv's preparation for the winter season. According to him, attempts to involve additional managers to strengthen the defence of the capital have caused Mayor Vitali Klitschko to fear a possible replacement.

Mayor's reaction to the search for specialists

Speaking to journalists, the head of state said that discussions on the possibility of bolstering Kyiv's resources with managers are interpreted by the city mayor as a signal of his potential change.

«Як тільки ми проговорюємо з якимись менеджерами про те, як посилити Київ, у мера складається враження, що хтось хоче його замінити» (As soon as we discuss with certain managers how to strengthen Kyiv, the mayor gets the impression that someone wants to replace him), Zelensky emphasised.

Focus on infrastructure defence

The president stressed that he has no intention of interfering in political matters. At the same time, he highlighted the critical importance of defending the capital's infrastructure in wartime conditions. In his view, plans for the resilience of these systems must be fully prepared.

Zelensky added that there are no personal conflicts between him and Klitschko, but called on all institutions to act jointly. As an example, he cited Kharkiv, where, despite constant Russian attacks, the city authorities and the regional administration work together.

Kharkiv's experience and joint responsibility

«Дуже класно, коли в кожному місті працює група менеджерів, яка може вирішувати проблеми і утримувати ситуацію в місті. Там голова ОДА і мер працюють разом» (It is very good when a group of managers works in every city, capable of solving problems and maintaining the situation in the city. There, the head of the regional administration and the mayor work together), the president noted, referring to Kharkiv's experience.

Concluding his remarks, Zelensky called for abandoning the search for culprits in the difficult circumstances of the war. Instead, in his opinion, all efforts should be directed towards the joint defence of critically important facilities.

«У нас один спільний ворог, одна зима і одна країна. І з цим треба щось робити» (We have one common enemy, one winter and one country. And something needs to be done about it), the head of state summed up.