President at the presentation of the Capital Development Strategy: Kyiv is the face, soul and heart of Ukraine, and we want our favorite city to get the look it has long deserved
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the presentation of the Kyiv City Development Strategy until 2027.
At the beginning of his speech, the Head of State noted that the capital has long suffered from traffic jams, which is why most city residents are used to being late for meetings, and one can fall under the asphalt when driving the streets. In addition, according to the President, in some areas of Kyiv there is still no hot water sometimes.
"And, unfortunately, this is only a small percentage of all the problems of our capital. Last year, in one of the rankings of cities on the quality of life, Kyiv - unfortunately and so far - took 173rd place. It is lower than the capital of Gabon, the capital of Uganda. And among the Ukrainian cities recognized as the best for life, Kyiv did not even enter the top ten," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
At the same time, according to the President, the capital of Ukraine for the second year in a row tops the list of cities with the highest level of air pollution and each year rises higher in the ranking of the most expensive cities for a living.
The President stressed that this needs to change, because Kyiv is the home of all Ukrainians, regardless of the origin.
"Kyiv is the face of Ukraine. And it hurts to see how this face is distorted by chaotic buildings. Kyiv is the soul of Ukraine. And we don't want to see emissions and smog "spit" into this soul. Finally, Kyiv is the heart of Ukraine. And it must beat to the fullest. We all want our favorite city to finally get the look it has long deserved," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
According to him, the capital should become comfortable, convenient, modern and cozy. A city that is drowning in chestnut blossoms, not in small architectural forms near every metro station.
"Where finding a kindergarten for the child is not an impossible mission. Where the majestic slopes of the Dnieper delight everyone, not just the inhabitants of the nearby skyscrapers. Where the best films are shot and where tourists from all over the world come. A city for Kyivites, for all Ukrainians and guests of the capital," the Head of State said.
The President stressed that today is the presentation of the priority steps in this direction and, most importantly - the presentation of people who will be able to implement them.
In the context of the October 25 local elections, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that many of those who in the past added greatness to Kyiv and influenced the development of the capital were not indigenous Kyivans.
"We are now in Taras Shevchenko University, which was not born in Kyiv. Actually, as well as Hrushevsky and Drahomanov, who taught here. As well as, by the way, Yevhen Paton, whose bridge serves the people of Kyiv every day. As architect Gorodetsky, who was called "Gaudi of Kyiv". This does not mean that people born here did not bring glory to Kyiv. Suffice it to mention Sikorsky, Malevich, Lobanovskyi. This means a completely different thing: to work for the good of the city, you do not have to be indigenous - you have to be decent, hardworking, honest, talented. And to invest in this city the most important thing we have - our heart and our soul,” the Head of State stressed.