"It is unacceptable to speculate on the name of veterans": Municipal Guard urges end to political pressure

The staff of Kyiv's municipal utility organization "Municipal Guard" has issued a sharp official statement urging an end to attempts to speculate on the names of veterans for political purposes. The public reaction was triggered by recent high-profile events and public disputes surrounding the construction of a vital heating main in Teremky. Representatives of the organization emphasized that until now they had deliberately refrained from commenting while awaiting the completion of official internal audits and full-scale law enforcement investigations.

Context of the Conflict Surrounding the Teremky Heating Main

The construction of the infrastructure facility in Teremky previously faced serious protests and delays. The Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) officially stated that work was suspended for approximately a month and a half, creating real risks for a stable and safe heating season for residents of the residential neighborhood. At the same time, local residents actively expressed concern over the progress and conditions of large-scale construction work in close proximity to their residential buildings, which escalated tensions at the site.

Accusations Against Veterans and the Collective's Response

Against the backdrop of the protracted conflict, harsh accusations and political attacks against the entire "Municipal Guard" structure appeared in the public space. The authors of the statements questioned the status of the employees, calling them "draft dodgers" and "reserved." In response, the management and rank-and-file employees of the organization released detailed statistical data: currently, 209 veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war work in the capital's municipal guard, and another 373 active employees continue to protect Ukraine's sovereignty as part of the Security and Defense Forces. Over the course of the full-scale confrontation, 28 employees of the organization died while performing combat missions, and another 9 are missing in action.

Contradictory Data

While the official management and team of the "Municipal Guard" insist on exceptionally conscientious service to Kyiv residents, the protection of critical urban infrastructure, and assistance to the frontline, a number of independent media outlets and opposition political circles offer entirely different assessments. Thus, critical sources question the overall efficiency of budget expenditures on maintaining the municipal formation, suggesting billion-hryvnia losses for the city budget and accusing management of a lack of transparency. The parties to the conflict diverge radically in their assessment of the organization's role and status, turning a local urban planning problem into a large-scale political confrontation.

Management's Position and Protection of Fighters' Honor

The director of the municipal organization, Serhii Chernyshev, has been a direct combat participant since 2014, survived severe wounds and Russian captivity while defending the Ukrainian flag in Donbas. The organization emphasizes that any claims regarding the actions of specific employees must be reviewed exclusively within the legal and disciplinary framework, but the collective branding of people who went through the front lines or lost brothers-in-arms is unacceptable. The "Municipal Guard" declares the unwavering nature of its oath to the residents of Kyiv and the continuation of daily duty at key facilities of the capital.