Kharkiv Mayor Terekhov on Kyiv's Klitschko: 'I Prefer Silence' and Focus on My City's Survival

Kharkiv's Mayor on the City's Current State

According to Главком: In an interview with the publication 'Glavcom,' Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov declined to draw comparisons between himself and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko or to assess his counterpart's performance. Terekhov emphasized that his primary objective is ensuring the survival of Kharkiv, which, like other Ukrainian cities, faces severe hardship due to Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure. His comments reflect a broader wartime reality where Ukrainian mayors must prioritize urgent local needs over political commentary.

Damage to Critical Energy Infrastructure

This winter, Russia has concentrated its attacks on Ukraine's energy sector, with devastating consequences for Kharkiv. Tens of thousands of homes in the city currently remain without heating and electricity. Due to damage to the heating supply system, coolant must be drained from one of the largest combined heat and power plants, which will temporarily leave 820 residential buildings without heat.

Igor Terekhov stressed that all Ukrainian cities are enduring profoundly difficult times. He underscored that he knows who started this war, who is conducting the shelling, and who is creating these infrastructure shocks.

“When there is an opportunity – Kharkiv helps everyone, and we are helped when times are tough.”

– the mayor noted. He also added:

“I will say this: personally, in any complex matter, I prefer silence. And as life shows – this is justified.”

These remarks indicate the city leader's desire to focus on solving the problems facing his municipality rather than engaging in public debates.

Terekhov's comments highlight the critical importance of concentrating on local issues and attempting to maintain stability in Kharkiv under wartime conditions. The situation with the energy infrastructure, severely damaged by attacks, requires immediate resolution to ensure the comfort and safety of residents. The efforts of local authorities in such circumstances are crucial for restoring any semblance of normal life in the city.