---
title: "\"Where are the billions for air defense?\" Klitschko sharply questions government on energy protection"
description: "Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko demanded a government report in parliament on billions spent on air defense and energy protection amid severe heating season challenges."
date: 2026-10-14T13:26:01.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/klitschko-in-rada-questions-air-defense-energy
tags: [kyiv, klitschko, air-defense, energy-crisis, ukraine-parliament]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# "Where are the billions for air defense?" Klitschko sharply questions government on energy protection

![Vitali Klitschko speaking in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/14/klichko-v-rade-sprosil-pro-pvo-i-energetiku/klichko-v-rade-sprosil-pro-pvo-i-energetiku-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- Kyiv mayor severely criticized central authorities over air defense shortages.
- Attacks on capital energy facilities increased from 19 last year to nearly 50 this year.
- Government payment blocking creates critical problems for Ukrainian communities.
- The capital prepared about 700 generators and autonomous systems for hospitals.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, during his speech in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, raised pressing questions regarding the security of the capital's infrastructure and the targeted use of multi-billion-dollar funds. The city head publicly demanded a report from the central authorities on where the financial resources allocated for the protection of critical energy facilities were directed, and why air defense still does not provide sufficient safety for Kyiv residents. The speech took place amid mounting tensions between the municipal and central authorities ahead of a difficult heating season.

### Large-scale challenges for Kyiv's energy system

According to Vitali Klitschko, the city's utility services continue to operate under emergency conditions, ensuring the megacity's viability amidst constant massive shelling. Statistics on hits to heat and power generation facilities show a sharp increase: while 19 hits were recorded last year, this figure has approached 50 this year. Despite the heroic efforts of repair crews, the situation is complicated by a staffing shortage at utility companies and the artificial blocking of payments by government structures.

### Contradictory data

The issue of responsibility for winter preparation and infrastructure protection caused serious disagreements between the capital's leadership and the ruling party. The initiative to summon the mayor to parliament on October 13 came from MP Mariana Bezuhla, who accused the city authorities of unreadiness. In response, Klitschko stated that sky protection and Ukrenergo facilities are the direct competence of the central government and Defense Forces. Furthermore, ruling party representatives claimed other cities prepared better, but Klitschko refuted this, emphasizing that all communities suffer from payment freezes.

### Autonomous reserves and municipal protection measures

Despite financial and organizational barriers, the capital's administration has formed an unprecedented reserve of autonomous energy sources. About 700 generators of various capacities and 70 mobile boiler houses have been deployed at heat and water supply facilities. Additionally, three diesel power plants and a backup water intake have been built, while Kyivvodokanal awaits foreign equipment. The residential sector also received significant support: more than 6,000 generators, inverters, and batteries were purchased for apartment buildings.

### Medical infrastructure and pressure on local self-government

The mayor paid special attention to the social sector and hospitals. To date, all Kyiv medical institutions are equipped with 480 generators, 15 clinics operate their own artesian wells, and drilling is underway in six more. Eleven hospitals have already been switched to autonomous heat supply from their own boiler houses. Concluding his speech, Klitschko harshly spoke about political pressure on local self-government, stating that in wartime, attempts to eliminate objectionable mayors are no less dangerous than external aggression.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- ["Где миллиарды на ПВО?" Кличко жестко поставил правительству вопрос о защите энергетики](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/de-milyardi-ppo-klichko-zhorstko-postaviv-1791984135.html) - Официальные цитаты и заявления мэра Киева Виталия Кличко в Верховной Раде Украины.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: Why did Vitali Klitschko speak in the Verkhovna Rada?
**A:** The Kyiv mayor spoke in parliament at the initiative of ruling party deputies to report on readiness for the heating season.

### Q: How many strikes did Kyiv energy facilities suffer this year?
**A:** According to the mayor, thermal and power generation facilities suffered nearly 50 hits.