Klychko Decides to Suspend Deputy Mayor Over Ethical Violations and Celebration During Day of Mourning
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klychko officially announced the suspension of his First Deputy Mykola Porozhnyk following a scandal involving alleged misconduct and a breach of ethical standards related to celebrating a birthday during a Day of Mourning. The decision comes after the Kyiv City Council members voted with a majority to express their mistrust in Porozhnyk, citing video evidence showing the official participating in a celebratory event during working hours on a day designated for mourning, which contradicts both laws and moral norms. Klychko emphasized his unwavering commitment to lawful procedures, declaring that the mechanism of appointment and dismissal of Kyiv City State Administration officials is clearly regulated by Ukrainian law. He assured that he would not violate these regulations nor cover up any misconduct. The mayor announced that a formal internal investigation has been initiated to establish all circumstances surrounding the incident, including any potential law violations by Porozhnyk and other involved officials. During this period, the deputy will be temporarily suspended from duties, pending the investigation's outcome. This disciplinary measure is a response to media reports, notably from Informer.media, which detailed the celebration held on May 25 at the Vyshhorod Water Utility — a municipal property on the banks of the Kyiv Sea — amid a public mourning day following a large-scale shelling by Russian forces that resulted in 12 fatalities. Several high-ranking officials, including Kyiv City Hall administration head Dmytro Zahumenniy and several deputy heads, attended the event. Porozhnyk dismissed the allegations as manipulative, asserting that no celebration, music, or entertainment took place and that the video was intentionally edited to distort reality. He further criticized the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the filming, questioning the legality and ethics of surveillance, and expressed concern about privacy rights and potential abuse of authority. Overall, this incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to ethical standards and legal procedures among public officials, especially during challenging times of war and political instability, where even minor missteps can escalate into significant political controversies.