Zelensky and Klitschko had a war of words from afar amid the blackout in Kyiv

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, in his evening address, said that in his assessment Kyiv has done “significantly less” than other regions, and that in recent days he “doesn’t see the necessary intensity of work.” According to him, the situation must be corrected urgently and “decisions must be made.”

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko posted a reply, accusing Zelensky and media figures loyal to him of “nonstop hate.”

“What kind of ‘intensity’ in Kyiv’s work during an emergency does the president not see—particularly in recent days, as he said?” Klitschko asked.

The mayor said his recent call for people to temporarily leave Kyiv—something pro-presidential паблики (pro-government channels/pages) criticized him for—was “an attempt to honestly warn about how difficult the situation is.”

“And meanwhile—nonstop hate. ‘Aaaah, Klitschko advised those who have the means to move out of the city so they don’t freeze. Without electricity and heating. Those who have the means to leave temporarily. At least I speak honestly and warn people about an extremely difficult situation. And I don’t give a damn about any ratings or phantom elections,’” the mayor wrote, hinting that the President’s Office is preparing for elections.

“I’m replying to you, sorry, publicly—because over the past four years we have, unfortunately, not met in person even once, Mr. President,” Klitschko added.

Klitschko and the president have been in a sharp conflict for a long time. The President’s Office has been trying to remove Klitschko. Klitschko, for his part, says the central government is putting pressure on local self-government and that there is a threat of authoritarianism.