Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko has sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of centralizing power and dismantling democratic institutions under the guise of emergency wartime measures. In an interview with the British Times, Klitschko declared that Ukraine no longer “smells bad,” but rather “smells like authoritarianism.”
In a Times article analyzing the stance of Ukraine’s most prominent politicians, it is reported that Zelensky, using martial law introduced after Russia’s invasion, appointed a military administration in Kyiv whose powers overlap with those of the elected mayor. According to Klitschko, this move is part of a wider strategy to consolidate power in the president’s hands.
The situation is further complicated by a major anti-corruption investigation being carried out in the capital by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). During Operation “Clean City”, widespread corruption was uncovered in Klitschko’s circle, and at least seven of his associates were arrested.
“This is about purging democratic principles and institutions under the pretext of war,” said Klitschko. “I once said it smells like authoritarianism. Now it just smells bad.”
“Many Mayors Are Scared”
The mayor claims that the work of the Kyiv City Council has been severely disrupted due to what he describes as raids, interrogations, and threats of fabricated criminal charges. He states that council members are unable to maintain quorum or make decisions.
As reported by the Times, the conflict also has a personal dimension. Klitschko believes that the president is using military administrations to undermine democratically elected mayors across Ukraine.
“Many mayors are scared, but I’m protected by my celebrity status,” said Klitschko. “You can fire the mayor of Chernihiv, but it’s hard to fire the mayor of the capital, who’s known around the world.”
