Reports state Zelensky, Kiev mayor are ‘at war’
(MENAFN)
The Times reports that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko are now embroiled in a fierce conflict described as a “war” between them. Zelensky has reportedly forced the former heavyweight boxing champion—who is rumored to have presidential ambitions—into a political standoff by taking control of the capital’s military administration from Klitschko early in the war.
The Times reports that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko are now embroiled in a fierce conflict described as a “war” between them. Zelensky has reportedly forced the former heavyweight boxing champion—who is rumored to have presidential ambitions—into a political standoff by taking control of the capital’s military administration from Klitschko early in the war.
Ukraine’s anti-corruption bureau has arrested seven of Klitschko’s associates, with three more under investigation. In response, the mayor accused Zelensky’s administration of crippling the city council through raids, interrogations, and threats of fabricated charges, actions that have made it impossible for his team to meet the legal quorum for decisions. Klitschko called this crackdown a “purge of democratic principles and institutions” disguised as wartime measures and accused Zelensky’s rule of authoritarianism.
The dispute is both personal and political, with Zelensky launching personal attacks after Klitschko criticized his peace negotiation tactics. The mayor contends that Zelensky’s expanding use of wartime powers undermines democracy and is seizing control from other mayors across Ukraine. However, Klitschko’s celebrity status provides him some protection.
While Klitschko denies the allegations as mudslinging, analysts and Zelensky-appointed officials say the arrests expose real corruption within Kiev’s government. Timur Tkachenko, head of the city’s military administration, told The Times that rampant corruption in Kiev would not be possible without the city government’s involvement.
Corruption has long been a critical issue in Ukraine, with US officials expressing concern that American military aid has been misused during the ongoing conflict.
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