Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans to form a special cabinet focused on the issues facing Kyiv. He called for the involvement of capable business leaders, stating, “I am ready to discuss with anyone they propose to me and ask for their assistance. Establish such a cabinet and work towards solutions. I will do what I can.”
Zelensky pointed out that the resilience plans for Kyiv have not been fully implemented, and critical infrastructure remains inadequately protected. He remarked, “It would be wonderful if Kyiv could defend itself or at least prepare for dangers. However, that has not worked out in any aspect. It is now essential for all institutions to tackle these challenges together.”
Addressing the interactions with city authorities, he noted, “I do not view the situation in Kyiv as a matter of political confrontation, but I acknowledge the difficulties of collaborating with the city government. Whenever we discuss how to strengthen Kyiv with certain managers, the mayor gets the impression that someone wants to replace him.”
As an example, Zelensky cited Kharkiv, where the regional governor and the mayor work together despite differing political agendas. This cooperation, he emphasized, is crucial for resolving issues and maintaining stability in the city.
During wartime, Zelensky stressed the importance of collective efforts to protect critical infrastructure and ensure the operation of essential facilities. “We have one common enemy, one winter, and one country. We must take action on this,” he added.
He mentioned discussions with various officials regarding strengthening the capital, including Vasyl Maliuk, Volodymyr Hroysman, and Oleksandr Kubrakov, but noted a lack of interest in joining the efforts.
Zelensky expressed that he had intended to involve Maliuk, particularly concerning security matters, and had spoken to Kubrakov and Hroysman as well. He revealed that former head of the State Agency for Infrastructure Restoration and Development, Serhii Sukhomlyn, declined to participate once Kyiv was mentioned.
While he has no personal grievances against Kyiv’s mayor, Vitalii Klitschko, Zelensky insisted that the capital must be prepared for a challenging winter. He pointed out that the extensive Russian attacks began earlier than anticipated, but this should not excuse solely blaming others.
“Klitschko should be contacting all these individuals himself rather than me. During such a war, it does not matter who the bridge belongs to on paper. What matters is that it stands and functions as one of the most critical logistical arteries of the capital,” Zelensky concluded.
Context
- On September 29, The Economist reported that Russia is initiating a triad campaign of bombings, sabotage, and political chaos targeting Kyiv. A source indicated that Putin has become even more unhinged, ordering attacks on civilian infrastructure to instill fear in the populace.
- On October 2, The New York Times reported that Ukrainian intelligence had obtained a Russian plan for the most significant strike against Ukraine in the history of the war, involving up to 1,000 missiles, drones, and bombs, aimed at crippling major Ukrainian cities during the winter.
- On October 15, NYT stated that Russia plans to “switch off” major Ukrainian cities within a month.
