Post-Winter Assessment in Kyiv
In an interview, Kyiv's Deputy Mayor Valentyn Mondryivskyi addressed the capital's post-winter situation, highlighting a conflict between the Presidential Office and the Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) over preparedness plans. Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council has approved 'resilience plans' for all regions and their administrative centers ahead of the next winter, with the notable exception of Kyiv. This omission has raised serious concerns within the city government, as local authorities require a clear strategic framework to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. This dispute underscores the ongoing challenges of coordinating national and municipal governance during wartime.
Condition of Schools and Shelters
The state of educational facilities and shelters was also a key topic. Data shows that 537 (97.3%) of Kyiv's preschools are operating in-person, with daily attendance exceeding 30,000 children, which is 50% of the registered student body. Regarding schools, 80% are conducting in-person classes for nearly 158,000 pupils, representing two-thirds of the total. Fifty-six schools in Kyiv are designated as 'unbreakability points'. Over 70% of educational institutions have generators, and shelters are now available in 98% of them, a significant increase from less than 50% in 2022. However, 34 schools still lacked shelters entirely, and since the full-scale invasion began, construction has been completed on nine full-fledged bomb shelters.
Valentyn Mondryivskyi emphasized the need to revise the format of the national multi-subject test. He also noted that every head of a district road maintenance service ('Kyivavtodor') is under at least one suspicion related to snow removal. Since 2019, law enforcement has initiated 1,587 criminal proceedings against KCSA employees, with 124 officials notified of suspicion, resulting in a total of only two guilty verdicts. Mondryivskyi further criticized the appointment of district heads by the president without the involvement of the city mayor, calling the practice illogical, destructive, and inefficient.
Political management of the city was also discussed. Kyiv Council Secretary Volodymyr Bondarenko was dismissed in April 2025. Mondryivskyi pointed out that, unlike the national parliament, the Kyiv Council operates with a convincing majority, which allows for more effective problem-solving. These aspects collectively highlight the complex governance situation in Kyiv, demanding focused attention and effort from local authorities to ensure the capital's stability and development.
The situation in Kyiv remains difficult, exacerbated by conflicts between different branches of government that can hinder effective city management. The significant number of educational institutions operating during the war demonstrates the local authority's commitment to providing schooling, yet issues with shelters and safety persist. Local officials must concentrate on developing clear strategies to enhance security and resident comfort under challenging conditions. The outcome of these efforts will be crucial for the city's resilience and could influence the broader political landscape.