The Vacant Secretary Position at Kyiv City Council
For nearly a year, Kyiv City Council has operated without an appointed secretary following the resignation of Volodymyr Bondarenko. During this period, the council's sessions have been chaired by Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The appointment of a new secretary is currently not a priority for the council. Bondarenko is under suspicion for alleged offenses, including those linked to the 'Komarnytsky tapes' scandal and the unlawful allocation of salaries.
Volodymyr Bondarenko resigned, and on July 10, law enforcement formally notified him of suspicion regarding the unjustified salary payments to a council staff member and aiding in military service evasion. According to the investigation, his actions caused damages of nearly 700,000 hryvnias in 2022-2023.
In March 2025, deputies from the 'Servant of the People' party submitted a demand for Bondarenko's early dismissal, but on April 8, Kyiv City Council failed to remove him from office during a secret ballot. Bondarenko remains a council deputy and has requested that Mayor Klitschko relieve him of duties related to plenary sessions.
Mayoral Support and Deputies' Perspectives
Meanwhile, Bondarenko is listed as a witness in the 'Komarnytsky tapes' case. Mayor Vitali Klitschko, who chairs the council meetings, receives support from deputies. Deputy Valentyn Mondriivskyi noted that the mayor handles the proceedings very skillfully. He also stated:
“Incidentally, perhaps due to this consolidation, there isn't such an acute need for a secretary.” - Valentyn Mondriivskyi
Mondriivskyi emphasized that 'a secretary is a unifying figure who can balance everyone. But now, everyone is already united.' The deputy also pointed out that 'ambitions can be found in many,' and some deputies possess the necessary competencies for the secretary role. He believes that 'Vitali Volodymyrovych [Klitschko] is an absolute authority for all factions.'
Thus, Kyiv City Council continues its activities without a secretary, and the question of his appointment remains open, as the situation within the council and the country encourages constructive work. This prolonged vacancy occurs against the backdrop of Ukraine's ongoing national challenges, which may influence the council's operational priorities.
The extended absence of a secretary could indicate instability in leadership and a need for effective management. However, the support Mayor Vitali Klitschko receives from deputies suggests that, amid political challenges and the necessity for consolidated efforts, the council can function without its traditional presiding officer. This dynamic may influence the future appointment, as the current situation allows a focus on critical city matters.