On Monday, the Kyiv City Council will convene for an extraordinary session to discuss an energy resilience plan that the central government has opted not to include in the national budget for assistance. Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko announced this development, emphasizing the need for state involvement in the restoration of the energy infrastructure.
Klitschko stated, “The central government did not consider our plan in the overall budget for assistance to cities. Unfortunately, politics is once again at the forefront. The National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) has made it clear that Kyiv will not receive support at this time. Therefore, we are adjusting the plans we have developed so that they can be reviewed by the Kyiv Council. The capital must establish a phased energy resilience plan with priority measures to endure the upcoming winter.”
While discussing the energy resilience plan, Klitschko reiterated that the recovery of the energy infrastructure requires both financial and legislative support from the state, as well as the engagement of governmental structures.
He pointed out that plans from other cities have been signed by the heads of regional military administrations, whereas in Kyiv, the mayor is required to sign off only after obtaining approval from the Kyiv Council.
Klitschko also dismissed accusations regarding the unpreparedness of Kyiv’s energy resilience plan, asserting that proposals had been submitted to the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development in a timely manner.
Previously, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the NSDC had approved “resilience plans” for all regions and regional centers, excluding Kyiv. Klitschko characterized the government’s decision to withhold support from the capital as politically motivated.
The Kyiv City Council is set to discuss an energy resilience plan after the central government excluded it from national budget considerations. Mayor Klitschko emphasizes the necessity of state support for the plan's implementation.