Vitali Klitschko has warned that Kyiv is “on the brink of catastrophe” as pressure mounts on Ukraine’s capital amid intensifying Russian attacks and mounting strain on infrastructure.
The mayor said the city is facing an increasingly precarious situation due to sustained missile and drone strikes, damage to energy facilities, and growing concerns over civilian safety.
“The situation is extremely difficult,” Klitschko said.
“We are doing everything possible to keep essential services running, but the risks are very real.”
He told the Financial Times, “Right now, the question of the future of our country – whether we will survive as an independent country or not – is still open.”
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Kyiv has endured repeated waves of aerial bombardment since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. While air defence systems have intercepted many incoming strikes, recent attacks have targeted power grids, water systems and transport links, raising fears of prolonged outages and humanitarian disruption.
City officials say emergency crews are working around the clock to repair damaged infrastructure. However, Klitschko acknowledged that resources are stretched and warned that a particularly heavy wave of strikes could overwhelm emergency response capacity.
“We are reinforcing shelters, securing backup energy supplies and coordinating with the government and international partners,” he said. “But if attacks intensify, the consequences could be severe.”
The warning comes as fighting continues across multiple fronts in Ukraine, with Russian forces increasing pressure in eastern regions. Analysts say targeting Kyiv serves both military and psychological objectives, aiming to undermine morale and demonstrate reach.
Residents in the capital have grown accustomed to air raid sirens and periodic blackouts, but humanitarian groups warn that continued disruption—particularly during cold weather—could create dangerous conditions for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and families with young children.
The Ukrainian government has urged Western allies to accelerate deliveries of advanced air defence systems and ammunition, arguing that protecting major cities is essential to sustaining national resilience.
Despite the stark warning, Klitschko insisted Kyiv remains defiant. “The city stands,” he said. “We will endure.”
