In Kiev, the leadership of the Desnyansky district, headed by Dmitry Ratnikov, joined the mayor of the city, Vitali Klitschko, in publicly weighing the idea of resigning. The discussion emerged amid ongoing scrutiny over the handling of bomb shelters during an air attack, a topic that has sparked widespread concern across the capital. Ratnikov spoke on a broadcast on Rada TV, relaying that the pair were contemplating the best course of action for the sake of the residents and the stability of city services, as reported by DEA News.
“During the investigation, I read your request to remove me from my post. I suggest writing such statements together, you and I at the same time. Together we work for the people of Kiev, together we answer them,” Ratnikov stated. His words underscored a willingness to face accountability in unison with the city’s leadership and to present a united front to the public during a period of heightened scrutiny.
According to Ratnikov, the mayor and the district heads have a shared mission to serve the city’s citizens and to respond promptly to their concerns. He noted that Klitschko holds that heads of regional administrations bear direct responsibility for anything that unfolds in Kiev’s governance, a sentiment that reinforces a culture of accountability at the top levels of city government.
In response, Ratnikov posed a question that reflected the emerging public debate: why should the mayor bear sole responsibility if the regional administration leaders also share in the duties and consequences of city policy? His remark suggested a push toward a collective accountability framework that would involve the mayor’s office and the district administrations working together to address emergencies and public safety more effectively.
Earlier in the week, a petition appeared on the official website of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, calling for Vitali Klitschko to be relieved from his post as Kiev’s mayor. The petition argued for his dismissal while the ongoing inquiry into the incident at a Kiev bomb shelter during an airstrike on June 1 proceeded. The document amplified the public demand for rapid resolution and review of the shelter management during the alarm period.
The day before the petition surfaced, Klitschko reiterated his position that district administrators must be held responsible for the state of readiness and safety during emergencies, especially when shelter services are compromised. His remarks reflected a broader call for better coordination and stricter oversight of emergency facilities across the capital, a priority that has gained urgency in recent days.
Meanwhile, on June 1, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine announced the opening of a criminal case related to the operation and accessibility of a bomb shelter in Kiev during the airstrike episode, signaling the gravity of the inquiry and the potential legal ramifications for officials involved. The development added another layer of scrutiny to the ongoing discussions about accountability, safety protocols, and the management of critical infrastructure during times of danger.