Mr. Klitschko, Donald Trump has set a new deadline for Vladimir Putin and at the same time opened the possibility of supplying more weapons to Ukraine. How do you assess the American president's proposals?
Vitali Klitschko: I don't understand why these are 50 days. Within these 50 days, the Russians can gather forces. They can kill more civilians. I am convinced that strict sanctions should be imposed, as they would have a deterrent effect.
I am convinced that we can also use this time. We believe that in these 50 days we can receive from our partners more of the modern weapons that we lack. We are grateful to our partners.
I am also convinced that Putin understands only the language of force - he respects the strong and does not take into account the weak. Therefore, we must be strong. Only together and with convinced forces can we be strong. In terms of the continued support of our partners, we count on heavy sanctions and arms supplies.
However, Trump announced the delivery of new weapons, including new "Patriot" systems. You said that Kiev is defended with only two such systems. The latest brutal attacks by Russia, in which hundreds of drones and missiles were used, showed that the air defense system can no longer withstand. What additional protection does Kiev need?
Vitaly Klitschko: I am not ready to answer how many "Patriot" systems and other air defense systems we have. I can say one thing: "Enough" will be when the war is over. Today our city, like other cities in Ukraine, is subjected to constant massive attacks and combined attacks. Air defense is a major challenge for every city, not just the capital.
"Today everyone in Ukraine is risking their lives"
Great efforts are required to overcome the consequences of the recent massive attacks…
Vitaly Klitschko: How to overcome the consequences, when over 30 people lost their lives in the last week? They cannot be revived. Houses have been destroyed, and their reconstruction will take months, possibly years. We are doing our best to help everyone who is in need and needs help, but our resources are limited. I honestly admit that despite modern technologies and modern weapons, we cannot fully guarantee the security of all people in the capital when there are such massive attacks. Today, everyone in Ukraine risks their lives. Drones can strike at any moment, there may be new victims. Therefore, every Ukrainian has only one desire and asks only one question: When will all this end?
We hope that we can end the war through diplomacy. But let's be honest: the path of diplomacy does not suit either Putin or many Ukrainians. We will never say that the part of Ukraine that is occupied by Russia today no longer belongs to Ukrainians. This is our country, our state that we are defending. It is very difficult to retreat and give up part of our territory. Yes, this could be the so-called compromise, but still...
Putin wants Ukrainians to flee and leave their country to him
How would you assess the damage that was caused to Kiev by the Russian aggression? Do you have specific numbers?
Vitaly Klitschko: Over 1,600 residential buildings have been destroyed. Over 300 civilians have been killed. The total number of destroyed buildings is about 3,000. There is destruction in every neighborhood of the city. I have repeatedly asked myself the question: What goal do you set when you attack a peaceful city and kill peaceful people? When you destroy critical infrastructure and deprive people of electricity, water and heating? I have thought about this for a long time. There is only one answer: To sow panic, to provoke depression and fear in people, so that everyone can pack their bags, go somewhere to Europe, leave the country and leave it to the attacker. There is no other answer to this question.
How is the reconstruction of Kiev going? Where do you get the money for it?
Vitaly Klitschko: The money comes mainly from the city budget. We also apply for funds from the state treasury. For example, they are used to restore destroyed buildings. When the damage is so severe that the buildings are uninhabitable, we pay people's rent. We provide assistance when kindergartens and schools are destroyed. To date, over 200 educational institutions have been destroyed. Children have to go to school, and this is covered by the local budget and costs a lot of money. Now we are building air-raid shelters, which we have never done before - the war forces us to.
Of course, the situation is dire. The economy is not functioning, logistics are disrupted, there is a lack of manpower for reconstruction activities, because hundreds of thousands are mobilized and defending the country. We are facing many challenges, the biggest of which is the restoration of vital systems.
Author: Olga Tikhomirova