Vitaliy Klychko Addresses the Verkhovna Rada
On October 14, 2026, Kyiv’s mayor, Vitaliy Klychko, presented a detailed report to Ukraine’s parliament on the capital’s preparations for the upcoming heating season amid ongoing Russian attacks. He sharply criticized the national government, accusing it of blocking crucial funds and failing to adequately protect the city’s energy infrastructure. Klychko stressed that Kyiv’s ability to face winter challenges depends not only on city authorities but also on the support and coordination from central government bodies.
Highlighting Kyiv’s precarious security situation, Klychko pointed out the lack of an effective air defense system. He stated:
“No matter what accusations are thrown at me—even claims as extreme as a third world war—the question remains: where is the air defense protecting the capital? Where is the defense for 'Ukrenergo' facilities? Where are the billions allocated for this purpose?”He also underscored that preparations for winter are complicated by both active Russian shelling and political conflicts.
Progress in Winter Preparedness Measures
By late September 2026, Kyiv had completed nearly 80% of its planned preparations for the 2026/2027 heating season. The city consolidated approximately 12 billion hryvnias from various sources, including:
- municipal budget funds
- municipal service resources
- bank loans
- international financial aid
Klychko reported the installation of almost 700 generators for heating and water supply, 70 mobile boiler units, 3 diesel power plants, and a backup water intake system. Within the Kyivvodokanal utility, 103 generators are operational, and over 6,000 generators, inverters, and batteries have been installed across residential buildings.
Furthermore, 285 high-capacity generators have been deployed in educational institutions across the city, with 480 generators installed in hospitals. Eleven hospitals currently operate their own boiler facilities, a number expected to increase to 21 by the end of 2026. Despite these efforts, Klychko reiterated concerns about the central government’s obstruction of funds and insufficient protection of energy infrastructure, stating:
“This year, preparations have been carried out under enemy fire and amid a political spectacle designed to discredit Kyiv’s resilience with false claims that the city is not functioning.”
President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that Kyiv lags behind other Ukrainian regions in meeting resilience goals. Following Klychko’s speech, Member of Parliament Maryana Bezuhla announced the filing of a bill to allow MPs to question invited officials during parliamentary sessions. Klychko emphasized that local communities are "shocked" by the problems caused by central government actions and called for stronger support of local self-governance.
Klychko also expressed frustration over baseless accusations blaming the city administration for heating season disruptions, attributing these claims to pro-government sources. He warned: “I want to remind everyone that Kyiv is the heart of the nation, under attack by the enemy. Yet equally dangerous are politicians who seek to destroy it from within.”
Mayor Klychko’s address to the Verkhovna Rada highlights the critical challenges Kyiv faces in preparing for winter, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing military threats. He called on the central government to enhance its support for local authorities and ensure robust protection of vital infrastructure, which is essential for the capital’s ability to endure the harsh winter months. The proposed legislation enabling MPs to directly question officials may also mark an important step toward greater governmental transparency and improved cooperation between different levels of administration.
As Kyiv prepares for the winter amidst ongoing challenges, the situation remains dire, prompting Mayor Klychko to recommend a temporary evacuation for vulnerable residents. This move underscores the urgent need for effective crisis management in light of intensified Russian attacks. For more details on the current state of the city and the mayor's recommendations, check out our article on Kiev's survival strategies amid the conflict.