In recent weeks, heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures have turned Kiev into a giant ice rink. Sidewalks covered in ice, piles of snow uncleared, plus lack of street lights due to alternating power cuts have made the movement of more than 3 million residents a torture.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly criticized the local government's lack of preparation, directly referring to the management capacity of Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
The situation in Kiev is particularly difficult. The city government has wasted time and now the government must take action to correct what they have not done at the city level," Zelensky wrote on social network X.
Harsh weather conditions have caused tragic consequences. At least 1 person has died after slipping and falling near the subway station. Even Kiev City Councilor, Mr. Yevhen Kuzmenko, also suffered a broken spine due to falling on ice and bitterly admitted that he felt ashamed of his management.
People are increasingly upset about the government's handling of the crisis. Ms. Liudmyla, 71, said that she has not dared to leave her house for a week to take her dog for a walk or go to the supermarket because the roads are too slippery. At Independence Square right in the center of the capital, people described the situation of moving in the evening as "terrible".
Responding to the criticisms, Mayor Klitschko said that these accusations are unfounded and politically motivated. He complained about the inadequacy of the mechanism when the mayor does not have the right to reprimand district leaders appointed by the president. Although he issued an ultimatum requesting to improve the situation, by January 20, sidewalks in many places were still unable to walk.
The confusion in urban management becomes even more serious due to Russia's continuous attacks.
The latest attack on energy infrastructure on January 20th caused 5,635 residential buildings to lose heating and domestic water. According to private energy company DTEK, the unusual power outage schedule continues, causing millions of people to live without power for up to 10 hours a day.
Previously, President Zelensky had to declare a state of emergency in the energy sector on January 14. Amid no signs of improvement, the people of Kiev are still trying to maintain the most normal life possible.
The road is very slippery, but we still have to continue walking, just trying to walk as slowly as possible," Daria, 20, shared.
