Internal political tensions in Ukraine are escalating as the country anticipates a potential cease-fire that could pave the way for elections. This week, these tensions were highlighted by a public rebuke of President Volodymyr Zelensky from Kyiv's mayor, Vitali Klitschko.
In a video address released on Wednesday, Klitschko accused the president's office of misusing martial law powers, marking a significant development in an ongoing dispute regarding military governance during the nearly three-year conflict with Russia.
Klitschko, a former heavyweight boxing champion who has established a political base in Kyiv, has been involved in a protracted rivalry with Zelensky, asserting that the president is attempting to diminish the authority of the city.
In his statement, Klitschko criticized Zelensky for appointing a military administrator for Kyiv, claiming that the appointee, Tymur Tkachenko, has sought to override the elected City Council's authority.
Tkachenko was designated as the martial law chief of Kyiv on December 31. His appointment was part of a broader strategy initiated in 2022 to enhance local governance by placing military officials in charge of civilian administrations.
Klitschko highlighted Tkachenko's lack of military experience, suggesting that political motivations were behind the appointment. He further accused Tkachenko of hindering economic activities in the capital by postponing decisions on infrastructure and construction unrelated to the ongoing war.
“While you, as the supreme commander in chief, are focused on the war and the defense of Ukraine, people around you are tirelessly engaged in political intrigue,” Klitschko stated in his video directed at Zelensky.
The presidential office did not respond immediately to requests for comments on Klitschko's allegations.
In response, Tkachenko asserted that he saw no possibility for constructive dialogue with Klitschko, emphasizing that the military administration would address the city's issues and support Kyiv residents.
This feud arises at a critical moment for Ukraine, as it awaits clarity on whether American support from President Trump will continue or if cease-fire negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin will be pursued.
Under the martial law enacted following the Russian invasion in February 2022, many frontline areas in Ukraine are governed by military administrations, while those farther from the front line often have both civilian and military governance.
Concerns have been raised by civil society groups regarding the central government's reliance on military administrators to consolidate authority, even in matters not directly connected to defense. This strategy follows local elections where Zelensky's political party, Servant of the People, failed to secure any mayoral positions.
Currently, one-third of local and regional military administrators appointed under martial law have affiliations with Servant of the People, raising further questions about the political implications of these appointments.
Should a cease-fire be negotiated, it is anticipated that martial law would be lifted, allowing for elections, as the last presidential election occurred in 2019 when Zelensky assumed office. Klitschko is viewed as a potential challenger to Zelensky, although he has yet to announce any plans to run.
Klitschko, who has served as the mayor of Kyiv since 2014, has accused Tkachenko of neglecting vital tasks related to city infrastructure and public safety, arguing that the military administration's primary responsibilities should focus on military service recruitment and the protection of critical infrastructure.
The ongoing conflict in Kyiv has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers, who argue that Zelensky has exploited martial law powers to strengthen the authority of his inner circle and eliminate political dissent in local governance.
Historical precedents exist, such as the case of the mayor of Chernihiv, who alleged that the presidential office sought to replace him with a military administrator due to political disagreements. This tension has been a recurring theme in the relationships between elected officials and military appointees since the onset of the war.
Analysts note that a significant issue in the relationship between military and civil administrations is the overlap of powers, which has evolved since the creation of the Kyiv City Military Administration in February 2022, where Klitschko initially served as its head.
Concerns have been raised by Klitschko's political party regarding the necessity of maintaining a separate military administration in Kyiv, especially as the city has become relatively secure from missile threats.