Review: Kyiv’s Mayor Confronts Zelenskiy in Eye-Opening Ukraine War Film

The tension between Vitali Klitschko, the former heavyweight champion and current mayor of Kyiv, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, is well-documented. Kevin Macdonald’s latest film delves deeper into this relationship, revealing how both men, who are often seen as united in their fight against the Russian invasion, seem to undermine each other. It’s important to note that this film offers a partial perspective, focusing on Klitschko without a response from Zelenskiy’s side.

The footage captured by Macdonald is especially revealing. Klitschko is seen in meetings with senior American politicians, including Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, where he subtly criticizes the Zelenskiy government, labeling it as increasingly autocratic. In other scenes, Klitschko accuses Zelenskiy of targeting powerful city mayors and running a Soviet-style political operation, threatening Ukrainian democracy and risking the misappropriation of aid money. Essentially, he suggests Zelenskiy wants to turn Ukraine into “Russia 2.0.” Whether these claims are true or not, they highlight a significant rift within Ukraine’s leadership, though the immediate impact on the war effort remains unclear.

This documentary adds layers of complexity to what might seem like a straightforward profile. Klitschko, along with his brother Wladimir, once dominated the heavyweight boxing world before transitioning to a political career, winning the mayoral election in 2014. The film hints that Klitschko’s feud with Zelenskiy might have roots in Zelenskiy’s earlier career, where he lampooned Klitschko on TV. Klitschko presents a resilient, hardworking public image, seen in media interviews, political meetings, and interactions with citizens. However, he also faces criticism for allegedly wasting resources on vanity projects instead of bolstering Kyiv’s defenses, and for not keeping a bomb shelter operational during a critical moment, an incident that visibly ages him as he is confronted by a survivor.

As the film progresses, Klitschko appears as a more conflicted figure. His ex-wife and children comment on his transformation into a political persona, showing a marked difference from his earlier, more straightforward boxing days. The Klitschko brothers also reflect on their father’s legacy, a Soviet military officer who developed leukemia, likely due to his efforts helping manage the Chernobyl disaster.

Much like the ongoing Ukrainian conflict, Klitschko’s power struggle with Zelenskiy is an evolving story. Klitschko, constantly moving through conference centers, military bunkers, and hotel corridors, aims to project strength. Under Macdonald’s skilled direction, Klitschko emerges as an implacable force, making this documentary an invaluable record for future historians of the conflict.

• Klitschko: More than a Fight is available on Sky Documentaries and Now from 15 August.

Source: Docsville/Sky UK