Kyiv mayor Klitschko admits rift with Zelensky amid heavy Russian strikes

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has stunned UK lawmakers by openly admitting deep divisions between Ukraine’s local leadership and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s central government. Speaking during a videocall session, Klitschko said the relationship between city authorities and the national leadership is far from easy, echoing frustrations shared by many mayors across Ukraine. His blunt remarks come as Russia’s relentless missile and drone strikes continue to pressure Ukraine’s air defenses, triggering public blame games over responsibility and shortages. Klitschko insisted he is not responsible for air defense failures, accusing Zelensky’s team of searching for scapegoats amid wartime crisis.