Zelensky Faults Kyiv’s Wartime Readiness, Hints at Management Shake-Up
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv is falling behind every other Ukrainian region, including frontline areas, in implementing wartime resilience measures. Speaking after a Stavka meeting, he noted that a single Shahed drone hit can leave large parts of the capital without power and water. Zelensky said he is preparing decisions that include changing how Kyiv is governed, but he did not provide further details.
Zelensky’s Oct. 13 remarks came after a Stavka meeting focused on regional and city resilience plans. He said the review showed Kyiv lagging behind all other regions, even those near the front, in preparing for wartime disruptions. He also pointed to residents’ experience: one Shahed strike can cut power and water across much of the capital.
He held talks with security, business, and local-government figures, including Vasyl Malyuk, Ivan Fedorov, Ihor Terekhov, Kostiantyn Yefymenko, and Maksym Yefimov. Zelensky said decisions are being prepared on protecting energy and critical infrastructure and on altering how Kyiv is managed. This followed his Oct. 9 criticism amid strikes damaging the power grid. No timeline or specific management changes were disclosed.
Kyiv residents may face continued uncertainty over power and water if resilience gaps persist. Management changes could affect city authorities, the security sector, businesses, and local government coordination during strikes. The president’s public criticism may increase pressure to accelerate preparations, while any administrative shift could bring disruption before benefits. Since no details were given, the practical impact remains unclear.