Gunshot ringing out from Ukraine
In a remarkable display of solidarity, Berlin's Neukölln district has sent essential supplies to the Ukrainian city of Perwomaisk. The aid, collected through a fundraising gala at the Erlebniszirkus Mondeo, included a field kitchen and generators, and was brought back from the Ukrainian border by District Mayor Martin Hikel (SPD) a few weeks ago.
Upon the handover of aid on April 1, Mayor Hikel expressed his belief that the Western world's freedom was being defended in this act. However, the delivery was not without controversy. Oleh Demtschenko, the mayor of Perwomaisk, has been embroiled in allegations of increasing his allowances from the council by 180% in March, and of insulting, abusing, and threatening a journalist.
Carla Aßmann, the leader of the Neukölln Left faction, has stated that these actions disqualify Demtschenko. She also accused him of making antisemitic, homophobic insults against journalists. These allegations have led to calls for Demtschenko to step down, and the Left faction in Neukölln has expressed support for civilian aid for Ukraine and exchange with the city of Pereiaslav, but not with Demtschenko.
Despite these controversies, Demtschenko expressed gratitude for every form of support and welcomed aid supplies for refugees and playground equipment for children. He also visited Berlin and gave a speech in the District Assembly (BVV) on the evening of the article's publication.
Martin Hikel, finding it strange that the Left has started this discussion, stated that the aid was intended to help the people of Perwomaisk, regardless of who leads the city. Both mayors expressed a wish for a partnership beyond the war, potentially involving investment in Perwomaisk for reconstruction.
It's worth noting that Perwomaisk is still in urgent need of an ambulance, which Neukölln is organizing and currently being refurbished. The aid delivery reached its destination, Perwomaisk, on April 2. Oleh Demtschenko and his deputy are reported to be upset about the criticism, but there has been no public response from Demtschenko regarding the allegations.
In a surprising turn of events, Demtschenko has reportedly apologised for the incident. However, the future of the partnership between Neukölln, Berlin, and Perwomaisk, and the fate of Mayor Demtschenko, remain uncertain.
- In light of the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, the politics surrounding the administration of Perwomaisk have been under scrutiny, with allegations of corruption and inappropriate behavior towards journalists against Mayor Oleh Demtschenko.
- The general-news about the controversy surrounding Mayor Demtschenko has not deterred Martin Hikel, the mayor of Berlin's Neukölln district, from advocating for continued cooperation and investment in Perwomaisk for future reconstruction, emphasizing that the aid is intended for the people, not the politics.
