---
title: "Zelensky: Klitschko Sees Discussions on Strengthening Kyiv as an Attempt to Replace Him"
description: "Zelensky stated that Klitschko perceives the involvement of additional managers in preparing Kyiv for winter as an attempt to replace him. The president called on all institutions to work together, while the mayor previously rejected accusations of improper preparation of the capital."
date: 2026-10-28T07:28:15.492Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/zelensky-klitschko-kyiv-winter-strengthening
tags: [ukraine, zelensky, klychko, kyiv, winter-preparation, politics, infrastructure]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Zelensky: Klitschko Sees Discussions on Strengthening Kyiv as an Attempt to Replace Him

![Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaking against the background of Ukraine's national flags](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/28/zelenskiy-klichko-kiev-zima-usilenie/zelenskiy-klichko-kiev-zima-usilenie-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Zelensky stated that Klitschko perceives conversations about strengthening Kyiv as an attempt to replace him
- The president emphasized that he has nothing personal against the mayor and does not interfere in politics, but demands the protection of critical infrastructure
- Zelensky cited Kharkiv as an example of effective interaction between the mayor and the RSA head
- Earlier, on October 9 and 13, the president accused Kyiv of improper preparation for the heating season
- On October 14, Klitschko in the Rada rejected accusations, pointing to shelling of thermal power plants, blocking of funds, and a shortage of air defense

During a meeting with journalists, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the strained relations with Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, which arose against the backdrop of the capital's preparations for the winter heating season. The head of state stated that attempts to attract additional managers to work on strengthening Kyiv's infrastructure raise concerns for Klitschko regarding a potential change in city leadership.

### "The Mayor gets the impression that someone wants to replace him"

According to Zelensky, every time the issue of strengthening Kyiv ahead of winter is discussed with potential managers, the capital's mayor forms the impression that there is an intention to oust him behind it. "As soon as we discuss with some managers how to strengthen Kyiv, the mayor gets the impression that someone wants to replace him," RBC-Ukraine quotes the president as saying. At the same time, Zelensky emphasized that he has "nothing personal" against Klitschko and does not intend to interfere in political issues, but believes that under wartime conditions, the capital's critical infrastructure must be protected, and its resilience plans fully prepared.

### Kharkiv as an example of interagency coordination

As a positive example of coordination between city and regional authorities, the president cited Kharkiv. According to him, despite constant Russian attacks, the head of the regional administration and the mayor of Kharkiv work together, forming a group of managers capable of promptly solving problems and maintaining the situation in the city. "It's very cool when a group of managers works in every city, who can solve problems and keep the situation in the city under control. There, the RSA head and the mayor work together," Zelensky noted, adding that in wartime it is important not to look for culprits, but to jointly protect critical infrastructure and ensure the operation of key facilities. "We have one common enemy, one winter, and one country. And we need to do something about it," the head of state concluded.

### Chronology of the conflict: from accusations to a report in the Rada

Tension between the president and the capital's mayor had been growing throughout October. On October 9 and 13, Zelensky publicly accused the Kyiv authorities of improper preparation for the heating season and slowing down the implementation of the city's resilience plan. On October 13, the Verkhovna Rada summoned Vitali Klitschko to report to parliament. Speaking to deputies on October 14, the mayor of the capital rejected the accusations, pointing to large-scale Russian shelling of thermal power plants, the government's blocking of funds intended for cities, and a shortage of air defense assets to protect critical infrastructure.

### Context: winter crisis and the issue of urban resilience

Zelensky's statements came against the backdrop of a general escalation of discussion regarding the readiness of Ukrainian cities for winter amid the ongoing war. The issue of preparing energy infrastructure, coordinating actions between central and local authorities, and distributing resources for recovery after attacks remains one of the keys to ensuring the livelihood of the population. The president's position, in his own words, boils down to the need for joint work of all institutions — without looking for culprits and without political intrigues, — while the capital's administration, according to Klitschko, points to objective constraints created by both military actions and decisions of the central government.

## Accounts differ

### Kyiv's readiness for the winter heating season

- **President Volodymyr Zelensky:** Kyiv authorities are improperly prepared for the heating season, the resilience plan is stalling, and additional managers need to be brought in to strengthen the city. ([rbc.ua](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/zelenskiy-klichko-spriymae-rozmovi-posilennya-1793172171.html))
- **Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko:** Accusations of improper preparation are untrue; the causes of the problems are large-scale Russian shelling of thermal power plants, government blocking of funds for cities, and a lack of air defense assets. ([rbc.ua](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/zelenskiy-klichko-spriymae-rozmovi-posilennya-1793172171.html))

*Where they agree:* Both sides confirm that preparation for winter is a priority task and recognize the need to protect the capital's critical infrastructure.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Зеленский: Кличко воспринимает разговоры об усилении Киева как попытку его заменить](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/zelenskiy-klichko-spriymae-rozmovi-posilennya-1793172171.html) - Primary source: direct quotes from Zelensky, chronology of events from October 9–14, Klitschko's position in the Rada. All facts in the article rely on this source.

## FAQ

### What exactly did Zelensky say about Klitschko?

Zelensky stated that when discussing the involvement of additional managers to strengthen Kyiv ahead of winter, Mayor Klitschko gets the impression that someone wants to replace him. At the same time, the president emphasized that he has nothing personal against Klitschko and does not intend to interfere in political issues.

### Why did a conflict arise between Zelensky and Klitschko?

The conflict escalated after Zelensky publicly accused the Kyiv authorities on October 9 and 13 of improper preparation for the heating season and slowing down the resilience plan. On October 14, speaking in the Verkhovna Rada, Klitschko rejected the accusations, pointing to shelling of thermal power plants, government blocking of funds, and a shortage of air defense.

### What example did Zelensky cite as a model of coordination?

Zelensky cited the example of Kharkiv, where, according to him, the head of the regional administration and the mayor work together, forming a group of managers to promptly solve problems and maintain the situation in the city despite Russian attacks.