Filatov explained the difference in the financial capabilities of Dnipro and Kharkiv
Dnipro Mayor Boris Filatov stated that a direct comparison of budget figures and aid amounts between Dnipro and Kharkiv is inaccurate due to significant differences in financial conditions.
According to him, Kharkiv receives significant preferential treatment from the state, particularly in the form of the ability to avoid paying multi-billion-dollar debts for utility services, which frees up resources for other expenditures.
During the interview, the head of Dnipro emphasized that the amounts of aid provided by the two cities cannot be compared due to their different starting points.
“If you compare the aid provided by Kharkiv and Dnipro, they cannot be compared. These are completely different figures,” the official noted, adding that Dnipro also actively supports the military, particularly the “Charter” brigade, by allocating funds and subsidies.
Filatov cites Kharkiv’s colossal debt to state agencies—which reached critical levels as of February of this year—as the key factor behind the financial disparity.
Specifically, the debt for heat supply exceeds 15 billion hryvnias, for water—over 3 billion hryvnias, and for electricity—about 2 billion hryvnias.
The total amount of the neighbor’s debt is 20 billion hryvnias, while Dnipro has no such debts and faithfully fulfills its financial obligations.
The mayor noted that the absence of a requirement to repay these funds effectively constitutes a hidden subsidy to the community from the state.
“If the state allows me not to pay our local community’s debts—effectively subsidizing the community by 20 billion—then believe me, we will be able to help much more,” emphasized Boris Filatov.
He believes that it is precisely thanks to such benefits that Kharkiv can afford certain infrastructure projects.
The mayor also addressed the issue of free public transportation, which is often cited as an example, referencing Kharkiv’s experience.
Filatov is convinced that “any free service is funded by taxpayers’ money,” so free public transportation under current conditions is merely an illusion.
As a reminder, Filatov and blogger Lachen exchanged threats on social media.
Filatov also reacted emotionally to the Russian attack on a warehouse storing gauze and bandages in Dnipro.
