"This is not a war, this is a genocide of the Ukrainian people. What the Russians are doing to Ukraine is terrorism," says the Mayor of Kyiv, Vitaly Klitschko.
In a special interview for the Municipal Government Center's Muni Expo conference, which will open today in Tel Aviv, Klitschko says: "They are trying to destroy necessary infrastructure for our city. They want to freeze people. Now the weather is getting colder, winter, the temperature outside now is minus five degrees, and will soon reach minus 20 and minus 30. The winter in Ukraine is quite cold, and at this time they are trying to damage our critical infrastructures, water infrastructure, electricity. Putin is interested in the territory of Ukraine - only without the Ukrainians, that is his goal. To break our spirit, to bring us for depression".
You used the words "genocide". These are hard words.
"They are trying to eliminate the entire population of our country. This is not fighting against an army, it's all lies. They have murdered many thousands of people, they have destroyed entire cities and entire villages. So far, 670 buildings have been destroyed in our city, of which 350 are residential buildings. The fighting is not happening Here in Kyiv, but people have been killed here by suicide missile and drone attacks.
You in Israel know very well what I'm talking about, and what happens in your country also happens here in Ukraine."
"They destroyed whole cities and villages", Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko tells about the damage, photo: Vitali Klitschko's press office
Abandoned tanks of the Russian army in Kiev (archive), photo: AP
Klitschko is a well-known and very popular figure in Ukraine.
The three-time world champion in heavyweight boxing has been the head of the Kyiv municipality since 2014.
He has Jewish roots: his father was Jewish, and in his office there is a menorah in the center of the large bookcase.
"I got it from the chief rabbi here," he says.
"We are fighting for our survival. We need political and economic support and humanitarian aid. We need generators, because there is no electricity. We also need defensive weapons, because we are defending our homeland and our city.
Shelling in Kiev (archive), photo: E.P
"Ukraine has always been a peace-loving country, and we have not attacked anyone. But now we are forced to defend our territory and our sovereignty. The reason for this senseless war lies in the fact that we, the Ukrainians, want a modern, democratic and European country. To be part of the European family. And our desire is not Accepted by Putin, who wants to build the Russian empire - and Ukraine is a very big part of his vision."
What do you expect to receive from Israel?
"Israel is an excellent example for Ukraine. A small country that has been fighting aggressors for so many years, and successfully defends its citizens and its territory. We need Israel's support, technology, knowledge and defensive weapons. We are in one of the largest cities in Eastern Europe, and are being attacked by missiles and suicide drones .
Our historic center has been attacked.
The Russians are killing innocent civilians.
We have to fight for our dream, our future, our country and our children."
The full article on Friday in the "Israel this week" supplement
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