Tensions between Kyiv’s mayor and Ukraine’s president have reached a boiling point. Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, has publicly criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky for what he calls an abuse of martial law powers. The dispute centers on the appointment of a military administrator for the capital, a move Klitschko claims undermines the authority of elected local officials.

The feud isn’t new. Klitschko, a former heavyweight boxing champion turned politician, has butted heads with Zelensky for years. This latest clash erupted when Tymur Tkachenko, a military administrator, was appointed to oversee Kyiv in December. Klitschko argues that Tkachenko, who lacks a military background, is overstepping his role by meddling in non-military matters like infrastructure and construction projects.

Martial law was introduced across Ukraine in 2022 to strengthen defenses against Russia’s ongoing invasion. The government has since appointed military administrators in various regions to coordinate wartime efforts. However, Klitschko insists that Tkachenko’s appointment in Kyiv is politically motivated and obstructs the city’s elected leadership.

As Ukraine anticipates a potential cease-fire and the possibility of elections, internal political rivalries are heating up. Klitschko’s sharp rebuke of Zelensky highlights the growing friction between local and national leadership during this critical period.

The outcome of this power struggle remains uncertain, but it’s clear that the battle for authority in Kyiv is far from over.