War in Ukraine
Zelenskyj criticizes Kiev’s city administration after blackout
Updated on January 28, 2026 – 9:45 p.mReading time: 1 min.
Russian attacks have plunged Kyiv into darkness and cold. Zelenskyj not only condemns the shelling, but also the poor preparation for it. His attack is aimed at an old rival.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj also blamed the city administration for the difficult situation in Kiev with heat and electricity supplies after the Russian air strikes. “The equipment should have been procured and purchased before winter, and the Kiev city administration should now act much faster to make life easier for people at least in February,” Zelenskyj demanded in his evening video speech. The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, is considered Zelensky’s political rival.
Russian attacks with drones, missiles and cruise missiles at the beginning of the year hit Kiev’s energy supply hard. The heating failed in thousands of blocks of flats due to severe freezing temperatures, and electricity is only available for a few hours. At times, some households even lack running water. According to Zelensky, there are indications that Moscow is planning a new, serious wave of attacks.
The head of state thanked the help that came to the capital from all over the country, be it with brigades of electricians or the delivery of warm meals to those in need. The Ukrainian head of state promised to expand aid if necessary, but at the same time reminded that the situation was also difficult in other regions.
