Kiev's mayor Klitschko warns of coming months

Kiev's mayor Vitali Klitschko looks to the coming months with concern. "I'm nervous about winter," said the former professional boxer on the sidelines of the German-Ukrainian municipal partnership conference in Leipzig. The politician described the situation in his home country as "an illusion of life that can be destroyed at any second". The people there dream of peace. Giving up part of Ukraine to Russia would be unthinkable. "We are also fighting for our European future," said Klitschko.

In February 2022, Russia attacked Ukraine. War has been raging there ever since. An end to it? Not in sight at the moment, said Klitschko. His city is well prepared for the approaching winter - also thanks to help from partner cities such as Leipzig. "But you can't rule out the possibility of Russian missiles destroying our infrastructure," warned the 52-year-old. This is another reason why he advises his citizens to be prepared for the worst, i.e. to have enough food, drinking water and warm clothing ready. "Everyone must be ready."

Klitschko said he was afraid that Ukraine would lose the focus of other countries after the outbreak of the Gaza war. "The consequence is that Russia will not be punished and will simply carry on." In addition, more options would open up for Russia.

Contact with partner cities such as Leipzig enables quick, important solutions in times of war. "If we go through central offices, it would be far too much bureaucracy." Klitschko does not have to explain why something is important or needed when talking to those responsible in a partner city. "We have exactly the same task. As far as our work is concerned, we breathe the same air."

Leipzig's Lord Mayor Burkhard Jung (SPD) described a city partnership as a bridge that works faster and better. So far, Leipzig has spent a total of eleven million euros to help Ukraine. This included, for example, the procurement of steel plates for safety vests, generators and fire engines, which were brought from Leipzig to Ukraine.

Numerous mayors, representatives from the German-Ukrainian network of cities and other political guests will come together in Leipzig between November 13 and 15 as part of the sixth German-Ukrainian municipal partnership conference. On Wednesday (November 15), Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Federal Development Minister Svenja Schulze are also expected to attend.