Klitschko cancels visit to Munich Security Conference: Kyiv needs to be restored after shelling

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has canceled his visit to this year's international security conference in Munich because of the need to restore the city after massive russian shelling. He said this on the air of the Kyiv TV channel.

"Every year I take part in the Munich Security Conference, where representatives of all states gather to discuss key challenges. And in recent years, the key challenge for the whole world has been the largest war since World War II, which is now taking place in Ukraine. The aggression of the Russian Federation against us, against Ukrainians. But this year I canceled my visit to Munich.

My brother Volodymyr is doing a lot of meetings now. And I stay in Kyiv. We need to overcome many challenges that exist here. But nevertheless, a lot depends on our partners. We are very grateful to the mayors and sister cities who called us and provide assistance," Vitali Klitschko said.

He noted that after the last shelling, 700 houses in Kyiv were left without heat supply, and they are trying not to cut off electricity so that residents can warm themselves with electrical appliances.

"The largest number of attacks during the full-scale invasion was on Kyiv. Again, 700 houses are without heat supply. I hope it will be restored in 2-3 days. These are the Darnytskyi, Desnianskyi, Dniprovskyi, Pecherskyi and Solomianskyi Districts. We are providing maximum power supply there so that people can "warm themselves from the socket," said Vitali Klitschko.

He emphasized that public utilities are working around the clock and doing everything possible to restore water, heat and light in the homes of Kyiv residents, but this is hampered by the pressure of the security forces.

"On the one hand, the state is helping - Ukrzaliznytsia, many state-owned enterprises, rescue teams, specialists. On the other hand, the prosecutor's office is opening a criminal case against Kyivvodokanal for the procurement of generators and seizing them. The story is the same with Kyivteploenergo. In total, there are already 1,600 criminal cases against the city.

However, only 8 cases went to court, and only 2 received sentences. Moreover, criminal cases are being opened against those utilities that are currently engaged in restoring the life support system of Kyiv. I have the impression that politics plays a role for the central government even in such a difficult time," said Vitali Klitschko.