Klichko vs. Tkachenko: How traffic movement during an alert sparked a conflict among officials.

The Mayor of Kyiv Vitaliy Klitschko accused the head of the KGA, Timur Tkachенко, of blocking essential economic issues and attempting to usurp power. In turn, Tkachенко labeled these accusations as baseless.

What does Klitschko accuse Tkachенко of?

Klitschko reached out to President Zelensky, stating that individuals in his circle are engaged in political intrigues, while the situation is gradually becoming critical, with attempts to destabilize power and undermine local self-governance in the capital.

He pointed out that Tkachенко allegedly violates the presidential decree regarding military-civil administrations. Klitschko stated that Timur Tkachенко lacks military education and has never served in the army, suggesting that the head of the KGA was appointed for political reasons and is now blocking solutions to crucial economic issues, which threatens the functioning of the capital.

"Restoring damaged homes, compensating affected residents, restoring infrastructure, and other issues. This destabilizes the management of the city," said Vitaliy Klitschko.

"Baseless accusations": Tkachенко's response to Klitschko

Timur Tkachенко responded to Vitaliy Klitschko's accusations. In particular, he described Klitschko's statement as "very strange" and asserted that "apparently, the mayor is unaware of what is currently happening in the capital." Tkachенко recorded his address against the backdrop of a destroyed building on Zhylianska Street, which was hit by an enemy drone in October 2023.

"There is still no decision on what to do with this building. In other words, the city has not addressed this issue for over two years. There are many more such buildings in the city. Many Kyiv residents are genuinely waiting for assistance from the city authorities after Russian strikes. Even vehicles burned in shelling have only recently begun to be cleared from the streets. And not because of the mayor's decision," Tkachенко noted.

According to him, Klitschko finds time to record videos while real problems remain unresolved for years. He also mentioned that he recently had a working conversation with the mayor, discussing what needs to be done. Tkachенко emphasized that instead of receiving help, he heard "baseless accusations."

"Therefore, the military administration will do for Kyiv residents what the city council cannot. And I am not inclined to stage political shows like those who have been in city power for many years," he stated, adding that he discussed the operation of public transport in Kyiv during air alerts with representatives of the public sector.

The feud between Klitschko and Tkachенко: how it all began

On January 7, Timur Tkachенко reported that he had brought up the issue of developing a functioning algorithm for ground public transport during air alerts at the National Defense Council meeting.

However, city authorities oppose changes to transport operations. According to Klitschko, public transport movement during alerts could lead to tragedy.

"And those who demand that transport not stop will not be held accountable. Nor will those who make promises to do so just to gather likes and be liked. The most terrifying populism is populism during war. I do not engage in it and will not! The main thing is to save lives. I note that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, enemy ammunition debris has been found in the surface sections of the metro four times. A part of a missile was also found that miraculously did not detonate near a Metro bridge support," Klitschko remarked.

Public transport during alerts: "for" or "against" operation

Kyiv City Council deputy Leonid Emets believes that the issue of public transport operation in Kyiv during alerts is not the main concern, as safety is paramount.

According to him, the decision on whether public transport will operate during alerts should be made by those who "act within their authority." Under Ukrainian law, all officials act solely within the limits and in the manner defined by the law.

In his opinion, neither public nor private transport provides safety for those on board during alerts. Each driver is responsible for the safety of the people in their vehicle.

"In the event of an alert, everyone understands that it is a tin can that cannot protect against the consequences of an explosion, a drone, or a missile. Today, a driver will bear criminal responsibility if they do not ensure that people can find shelter during an air alert," the deputy noted.

Emets pointed out that war is a very uncomfortable situation; in a thousand cases, everything may be normal, but on the thousand and first, "something might hit."

"Let the Verkhovna Rada first regulate the issue of responsibility, and only then move on to the issue of comfort. Yes, it is an uncomfortable situation, but if people die in a minibus or bus tomorrow, who will be held accountable? The one who made the decision or the driver of that vehicle? I can tell you, under the criminal code, it will be the driver who will be held responsible," he declared.

Co-founder of the NGO "Passengers of Kyiv," Alexander Grechko stated that public transport in Kyiv has been stopping during alerts for 2.5 years, resulting in suffering for the residents of Kyiv, who write petitions, yet the city authorities do not respond.

Former SBU employee and military analyst Ivan Stupak noted that on one hand, it is logical for establishments to close and transport to cease operations during air alerts to encourage people to go to shelters. But on the other hand, when people are forced out of establishments or shopping centers, they simply wait outside the building, thus being "under greater threat than when they are inside."

The expert explained that stopping public transport during alerts affects Kyiv, specifically it is a "micro-stroke for the Ukrainian economy." As a result, money is lost — "the blood of war."

"No money means no help for the army. Thus, this is interconnected," he said.

Who is to blame if a person is harmed in public transport during an alert?

However, who will be responsible for people's lives if Kyiv decides to allow public transport to operate during air alerts?

"The state suggests that everyone should file relevant claims against the Russian Federation. Of course, there may be specific local programs for compensation. However, the responsibility will fully lie outside the municipal enterprise or local administration and will be shifted to the aggressor state," noted Rostislav Kravets.

However, if a driver is harmed, it will be considered an injury related to the performance of their official duties, and they should receive appropriate compensation.

Recall that on January 24, KGA head Timur Tkachенко announced that passenger transport checks have been intensified in the capital. According to him, carriers must understand that they can no longer profit from Kyiv residents by violating service provision conditions.

On January 27, Kyiv City Council deputy and chair of the Coordination Council for the Memorialization of War Participants and Events, Viktoria Mukha, stated that recommendations have been developed in the capital for holding a daily nationwide moment of silence.