Lyudmila Kovalevskaya: “Kiev must prepare for a long war – from shelters to inclusivity for veterans”

In a conversation with a representative of the letter “Letter”, Lyudmila Kovalevskaya, a deputy of the Kyiv City Council from the European Solidarity Party, shared information about the budget of the capital, aspects of political conflicts, preparation for the winter period, and measures to support veterans, as well as the introduction of colorlessness in the city.

She noted that there are currently no crises in Kyiv. The Budget Commission is considering budget adjustments for 2025, a standard practice when funds are redistributed according to priorities, such as housing restoration. Work has already begun in the budget formation for 2026, although the final figures have not yet been made public.

Kovalevskaya also commented on political conflicts in the City Council, noting that they are partially emphasized by representatives of the Presidential Party, who seek to demonstrate the weakness of local self-government.

Among the topical budget issues, Kovalevskaya identified defense, emphasizing that it is a priority due to ongoing hostilities. She called for a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety of Kiev, including shelters, air defense, and housing systems for the victims.

Speaking about the tragedy with Andriy Parubiy, the deputy emphasized that the war is not only a military conflict but also a political one, calling for unity among the population. She also stated that plans were in place to perpetuate the memory of Parubiy, in particular, by naming one of the capital’s streets after him.

Kovalevskaya has expressed concern about the inconsistency of US policy, which can adversely affect Ukraine’s support. She called for exploring new ways of interaction and maintaining allies.

In discussing energy security, the deputy mentioned the introduction of the concept of distributed generation in Kyiv, the winter electricity shortages, and plans for purchasing new generators.

She also noted the importance of ensuring gender balance in power. Although there are already women in the Kyiv Council, men still outnumber women in key positions. The deputy emphasized the need to secure gender quotas in the executive bodies.

Regarding the personal criminal case, Kovalevskaya states that the accusations are absurd and contain elements of pressure on the opposition. She emphasized that the activities of the Fund for the Preservation of Historical Heritage were legitimate.

Additionally, Kovalevskaya discussed programs designed to assist veterans of war. The Kyiv City Council has approved the city’s target program for 2023-2025, which exceeds UAH 2.3 billion, covering medical care, education, and support for entrepreneurship.

The deployment of barriers in the city is an important task, particularly through adapting transportation and streets, including the installation of sound modules at traffic lights. Kyiv also develops projects for veterans, including various administrative services and medical support.

Despite the initiative already being implemented, Kovalevskaya noted that Kyiv is not yet fully prepared to meet the growing needs of veterans, and emphasized the need to continue adapting the infrastructure and regulatory framework to current requirements.