Zelenskyy Warns Kyiv Mayor Klitschko Over Winter Preparations

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has put Kyiv’s winter preparations under a formal warning, directing attention specifically to Mayor Vitali Klitschko’s responsibility for ensuring the capital is ready for the 2026-2027 heating season.

Zelenskyy signed a decree bringing into force an Aug. 5 decision by the National Security and Defense Council on implementing comprehensive resilience plans across the regions. The decree assigns control over its execution to the council’s secretary and takes effect on the day it is published.

The document tells the government to immediately adjust the resilience plans so they match what authorities can realistically complete before the heating season begins. It also sets concrete requirements for local administrations. They must create a justified fuel reserve for vital facilities lasting at least two weeks and ensure that apartment buildings can operate independently where necessary.

The preparations are to involve homeowners’ associations, housing cooperatives and building administrators. Apartment blocks must also have independent backup electricity systems. The decree specifically calls on Kyiv’s mayor to accept personal responsibility for preparing the city for winter and ensuring the heating season runs smoothly.

Klitschko said several days earlier that Kyiv planned to finish its main preparations before the heating season started. He said about 50% of the planned measures had already been completed.

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Pay attention to the mayor of the city of Kyiv’s personal responsibility for preparing for the 2026-2027 heating season in the city of Kyiv and ensuring its smooth operation.